Thursday 19 April 2018 07:56, UK
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he had reservations about Alexandre Lacazette when he joined Arsenal, but praised the fellow striker for helping him to settle into life at the Emirates.
The Gabon international played against Lacazette when the pair plied their trade in Ligue 1 for rival clubs St Etienne and Lyon respectively and was concerned he wouldn't see eye-to-eye with the 26-year-old.
Aubameyang and his French counterpart were named together in Arsenal's line-up for their trip to Newcastle - the first time the pair had played alongside each other from the start - and despite some encouraging signs were unable to prevent Rafa Benitez's side winning 2-1 at St James' Park.
"My friend Lacazette was at Lyon when I was at St Etienne," Aubameyang told Arsenal's official club website.
"He's a player I appreciate and was good for me when I arrived here as he's a nice person, very positive.
"I wasn't 100 per cent sure about him when I came here as there were some Lyon players I didn't get on well with but he wasn't someone I had problems with when I played against them.
"I'm really happy to get to know someone so positive and he helped me settle into the dressing room."
Arsenal, who will have to do without cup-tied Aubameyang for their Europa League semi-final against Atletico Madrid next week, are next in action against West Ham in the Premier League on Super Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.