Former Arsenal ace Sokratis Papastathopoulos does not believe Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's exit was the best option for the club.

The centre-back spoke about Aubameyang leaving permanently for Barcelona in the winter.

The Gabon striker had already been frozen out of the first-team picture by manager Mikel Arteta.

Auba has netted 10 goals and one assist in 14 games for Barca this term.

Sokratis told The Sun: "Aubameyang is not the only one who left this way from Arsenal, other players also left like that; including myself.

"That was the team's choice, each footballer works for the team and has to respect that choice.

"I don't know and personally I don't think it was the correct choice, the matter could have been resolved differently.

"I've known Aubameyang for many years, I know what he can do as a footballer. I am certain of what he will do at Barcelona.

"I wish him good luck and all the best. The same goes for Arsenal despite the way I also left. I wish them well.

"[The way I left] Was not the best, I was left out of the team. But it's a matter I haven't spoken about yet, I respected the manager's choice. I spoke with him.

"I am a professional, I worked for the club and love the club. I will definitely continue to be a friend and fan just like I am for all the other clubs I played for, such as Dortmund and [AC] Milan."