Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he rejected a move to Newcastle United prior to joining Borussia Dortmund in 2013.
Aubameyang, 26, has developed into one of the most revered strikers on the continent and has since been linked with a big money move to one of the Premier League’s big teams.
However, it all could have panned out so differently for the Gabon international had he made the move to Newcastle rather than Dortmund.
“I received an offer from Qatar of €10m (£7.78) per year. If I accepted, my family would be set up for life,” Aubameyang told L’Equipe, via The Daily Express.
“We chose to stay at Saint-Etienne, where I got €70,000 per month, knowing that, given my qualities, I could earn money tomorrow. The following season, Saint-Etienne wanted to send me to Newcastle.
“We opted for Dortmund, finalist in the Champions League, because my father studied [Jurgen] Klopp’s game, even though the pay was lower.”
Only five other players have scored more goals in Europe’s top five leagues than Aubameyang this season (21).
For more stats on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
