Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang said he promised his late grandad he would one day play for Real Madrid.
Speaking in 2016, then 30-year-old – then with Borussia Dortmund – revealed the vow he made and that his signature acrobatic celebration was copied from Madrid legend Hugo Sanchez.
The skipper said: “Before he died two years ago I promised him that one day I would play for Real Madrid.
“My grandfather was from Avila, not far from Madrid. It’s what I said to him.
“I know it’s not easy but it’s something I keep in mind.
“I celebrate my goals with a cartwheel in honour of Hugo Sanchez.
“I’ve seen many videos of him on the internet and I’ve been following him since I was a boy.â€
Aubameyang’s contract expires in 2021 and a £30million offer is expected to be enough to convince the Emirates club to sell.
And reports suggest that Zinedine Zidane wants to land the former Saint-Etienne man.
However, Madrid reportedly want a deal arranged by June 15 or they will look elsewhere for a new striker.
The Gabonese star hinted he would be willing to join another Spanish side, giving Barca a boost.
He added: “To play for Madrid or for another great club in LaLiga would be a nice gift to my mother, Margarita, who is Spanish.â€
But mum Margarita Crespo added later in 2016 that her family are Mad about Real – and not the Nou Camp club.
She said: “He promised his grandfather that he would play for Real Madrid and since he was a little boy he spoke about Madrid and never about Barcelona.
“My family have always been Real Madrid and I would like to see him in white.
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“A move to Madrid would be lovely but at the moment he is doing well at Dortmund and we will have to see what happens.â€
This article was most recently revised and updated 6 years ago
