Arsenal club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has described criticism of his relationship with YouTube fan channel AFTV and one of its leading contributors as ‘bullsh*t’.
The striker replaced Granit Xhaka as Arsenal captain following the Switzerland international’s conduct in his side’s 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in October.
While Xhaka’s position as skipper seemingly became untenable after telling his own fans to ‘f**k off’, attention has now switched to Aubameyang and his interactions with controversial channel AFTV.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported on Monday that some of the Gabonese forward’s teammates are uneasy with the player’s supposed friendship with AFTV contributor ‘Troopz’, due to the perception of the channel as a significant source of negativity towards the club.
AFTV was forced to change its name from ArsenalFanTV in 2018 following discussions with the club regarding a breach of copyright.
Aubameyang has also been caught ‘liking’ social media posts by AFTV and ‘Troopz’ which criticise manager Unai Emery and the team.
However, the striker has reacted strongly to talk of his relationship with ‘Troopz’ rubbing people up the wrong way inside the club, posting a story on his official Instagram account as he arrived in Gabon for international duty.
He wrote: “I just arrived in Gabon and heard a lot of bullsh*t. I talk with who I want, whenever I want, and if somebody’s not happy with… you already know.”
‘Troopz’ too also addressed the story on his own YouTube channel, stating that he is understanding of the situation and accepts why certain Gunners players may disprove of his friendship with Aubameyang. However, the YouTuber denied Ornstein’s suggestion that the former Borussia Dortmund hitman invited him to attend matches in his own private box at the Emirates.
No official comment has been made by Arsenal or their manager regarding the allegations from Ornstein, or the player’s response.