Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang keen to move past ‘tough time’ and ‘get my smile back’

Gunners captain, who scored a hat-trick at the weekend, was recently absent due to his mother’s ill health

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has said he is eager to rediscover his smile following a recent absence due to his mother’s ill health.

The forward missed last month’s Premier League clashes with Southampton and Manchester United, which produced a 3-1 win and 0-0 draw respectively, but his mother has since recovered from the health issues she was experiencing and her son has returned to Arsenal’s starting line-up.

Aubameyang, 31, came off the bench in his side’s defeats by Wolves and Aston Villa this month, but he started on Sunday against Leeds and netted a hat-trick as the hosts emerged 4-2 winners at the Emirates Stadium.

READ MORE: Aubameyang hat-trick inspires Arsenal’s victory over Leeds

“For sure, it means a lot to me,” Aubameyang told Arsenal’s official website after the Premier League match.

“I’m a guy who always works hard and tries to give the best, first for my family, and also for the team as well.

“It’s been a tough time for me, but now it’s time to get my smile back, to win games and score goals.”

The forward also expressed his gratitude for all the support he has been shown in recent weeks, saying: “Everybody at the club, everyone has given me a lot of love.

“I’m really proud to be a part of this family, so I have to say thank you to everyone at the club, and the fans as well because I received a lot of messages.

“I’m really happy and these goals are for them.”

The victory over Leeds saw Mikel Arteta’s side leapfrog their opponents to go 10th in the Premier League, having played one game more than Marcelo Bielsa’s beaten team.

Next up for Arsenal is a Europa League last-32 first leg against Benfica on Thursday.

The game will take place at Roma’s stadium in Italy after it was relocated from Lisbon, Portugal due to coronavirus-related travel restrictions.

The second leg, which was originally set to be held at the Emirates, has also been moved and will now take place at Olympiacos’ ground in Greece.