Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returns to Marseille!

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has made a surprise return back to Ligue 1 McDonald's and Olympique de Marseille, signing on a two-year deal with the club he scored 30 goals in the 2023-2024 season.

The 36-year-old has moved back to the Vélodrome on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian side Al-Qadsiah this summer. Aubameyang departed Les Olympiens in the previous Summer when De Zerbi joined the club and reportedly wanted to keep the player for last season. "He’s a super player, a great person,” said the Italian coach last Friday to L’Équipe. “I was disappointed when he left last season."

Aubameyang scored 17 goals in 32 appearances for Al-Qadsiah last season in the Saudi Pro League. Yet the Gabon international, who has donned the shirts of Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea in the past, has unfinished business with Marseille.

It’s true I had some very good offers not only from Saudi Arabia but two or three also in Europe. It was the choice of my heart,” said the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker this afternoon at Marseille’s La Commanderie training ground. “Yes I’ve made financial efforts to come here, but it’s what I want – to rediscover the stadium and the supporters.”

“I feel ready for the season, I’ve got a full season in my legs even if you (the press) think the level in Saudi Arabia is not the same. Personally I’m ready both mentally and physically.”

WATCH: Auba's 30 goals for Marseille in 2023-2024

AT A GLANCE: Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang (Olympique de Marseille)

Age: 36
Ligue 1 appearances: 154
Ligue 1 G/A: 58, 31

Clubs: Marseille, Saint-Étienne, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, Dortmund, Monaco, Lille, AC Milan

A Ligue 1 veteran returns

His return to Ligue 1 McDonald's takes place just over a decade after his breakout spell at AS Saint-Étienne. Between 2011 and 2013, he scored 37 Ligue 1 goals for Saint-Étienne, finishing as the league’s second-top scorer in 2011-12 and claiming the silver boot in 2012-13 behind Zlatan Ibrahimović. Twelve years, four countries, and over 300 career goals later, the former Arsenal captain made his Marseille debut in 2023

Aubameyang became a regular scorer for Les Olympiens after a difficult start to life with OM - and the UEFA Europa League became his prime hunting ground. In 2023-2024, he managed to reach the semi-finals with OM, losing out to Atalanta BC. This season, Aubameyang will be making his return to European football with Marseille - this time in the UEFA Champions League after De Zerbi's side finished second in the Ligue 1 McDonald's standings last season.

Welcome back to Ligue 1 McDonald's, Auba!

Photo Credit: Olympique de Marseille