Mikel Arteta has finally seen it fit to throw some light on his former striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang\u2019s spoilt-brat sarcasm although the Spaniard\u2019s retort was almost nothing in comparison to the stinging rebuke from former Italy forward Antonio Cassano, who has lashed out at the Chelsea striker for his unsavory comments about his former coach.<\/p>\n
The video featuring the Gabon striker filmed shortly after his transfer from Arsenal to Barcelona went viral this week in which he was seen saying his former manager \u2018can\u2019t deal with\u2019 big players, which by implication would mean he probably considered himself as someone in that high echelon.<\/p>\n
Obviously the two individuals had a relationship that was sorely lacking during their time together in north London, with Arteta subsequently stripping the forward of the captaincy before dropping him from his team for disciplinary breaches.<\/p>\n
Aubameyang capitalised on the opportunity after the video surfaced and took to Twitter to say he \u2018still had a lot of bad feelings\u2019 at the time, although wishing Arsenal well.<\/p>\n
Arteta was subsequently asked about his former star\u2019s comments on the eve of Arsenal\u2019s Europa League clash with Bodo\/Glimt and the Spaniard was most perfunctory in his reply\/<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are free to discuss what they want,\u201d he told reporters in Norway.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have never been in a better dressing room [than this season] \u2013 more enjoyable, more hard-working, a better relationship between staff and players and it is an absolute pleasure as a coach to be a part of this group.\u201d<\/p>\n
Things turned sour between Arteta and Aubameyang, leading to the striker\u2019s exit<\/p>\n
But former Real Madrid, Inter Milan, AC Milan and Roma striker Cassano is still far from impressed with Aubameyang\u2019s comments, despite his explanation.<\/p>\n
Arsenal have gone from strength to strength since the Gabon star\u2019s exit, with the Gunners currently top of the Premier League after a 3-2 victory over Liverpool last weekend.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Aubameyang lasted just seven months at Barcelona before he returned to the Premier League with Chelsea.<\/p>\n
And, while the frontman has three goals in six appearances for the Blues this season, Cassano says he cannot criticise Arteta when he \u2018can\u2019t even trap a ball\u2019.<\/p>\n