Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is “not interested” in criticism from Yaya Touré after being named African Footballer of the Year.
Touré, who has won the gong for the last three years, appeared to question the award criteria when he was interviewed after the ceremony.
“I’m very, very disappointed. It’s sad to see Africa react this way, that they don’t think African achievements are important,” he told RFI, adding: “I think this is what brings shame to Africa, because to act in that way is indecent. But what can we do about it? Us Africans, we don’t show that Africa is important in our eyes. We favour more what’s abroad than our own continent. That is pathetic.”
Touré was angered to not pick up the award after Ivory Coast won the Africa Cup of Nations last year, while Borussia striker Aubameyang’s Gabon were eliminated in the early stages. But it appears Touré is unable to accept with good grace that Aubameyang’s displays in the Bundesliga and the Europa League were enough to end his reign as the best African player, just like his own performances for Manchester City were enough to earn him the accolade for three years while Ivory Coast were underperforming.
Speaking to Sport Bild at Borussia Dortmund’s winter training camp in Dubai, Aubameyang said that he won’t let Touré spoil his achievement.
“I really don’t know why he said that in the first place,” Aubameyang, who scored 18 goals in 17 Bundesliga games in the first half of the season, and a total of 41 goals in all club competitions in 2015, said.
“But I don’t get annoyed with it, and by now I don’t even care about it. I am not interested in it.”
Meanwhile, Aubameyang has denied speculation he is set to join either Arsenal or Barcelona.
He has occupied sports gossip columnists with almost daily regularity but says there is no truth in the suggestion he is destined for a big-money transfer.
Speaking to BILD, the 26-year-old said: “I still want to achieve lots with Dortmund.
“I am here and nowhere else – not at Arsenal, not at Barcelona, not on the moon – you can see that.”
Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel was forced to speak publically about the speculation recently, denying the club had the intention to cash in on their latest star.
“We have not considered Aubameyang’s departure for a single second,” the coach told Dortmund’s official website.
“He is a pillar for us and we have big plans for him. There is no debate on him at all.”
