'In 2014, before my grandfather's death (born in Avila, Spain), I promised him I would one day play for Real Madrid. It will be complicated, but it's in my mind. Madrid would also be a great present for my mother'. That is what Aubameyang told 'L'Equipe' in 2016. The Gabonese international has got off to a fying start this season and is looking to torment the club that he admires with such ardor.
Because Aubameyang grew up watching the goals of the prolific strikers that brought success to the Bernabeu. One of them, Hugo Sanchez, was the man who inspired his goal celebration: 'I’ve seen many videos of him on the internet and I’ve been following him since I was a boy. I celebrate my goals with a cartwheel in honour of Hugo Sánchez'.
The Dortmund striker still pays occasional visits to his grandfather's town of El Barraco, where traditionally cycling is the dominating sport. Aubemayang used to kick the ball around its empty streets, dreaming of one day making it to Real Madrid. He still returns to visit his Spanish family.
'How he loved Real Madrid!', one of his mother's cousins residing in El Barraco told Spanish outlet 'As'. In the village, they still urge the striker to join the 'Blancos', though the player himself recently put an end to speculation of a potential move to the Bernabeu, for now.
Tonight, he will look to prove his clinical eye for goal. He will try to score the way he always does in order to extend his fantastic start to the season. Following yet another summer of rumours, Aubameyang has scored 12 goals in nine appoearances and today, despite being a 'Blanco' at heart, he will want to defeat Zidane and his men.