Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang declared the club’s future is bright after ensuring Arsene Wenger departed on a high note.
Aubameyang struck the final goal of Wenger’s 22-year reign as the Gunners won 1-0 at Huddersfield on Sunday in the Frenchman’s last game in charge.
It was Arsenal’s first Premier League away win this year at the end of another disappointing campaign, which forced Wenger’s announcement three weeks ago that it would be his last in charge.
But Aubameyang is convinced good times lie ahead for the squad Wenger has left behind.
“Yes, of course,” said the club record £56million January signing when asked if he was excited about next season.
“In the last few weeks we have played well. We have a lot of young players and for sure it’s good for the (new) manager.
“It looks good for the future and I’m sure next season is going to be a good one for us.”
Aubameyang turned home captain Aaron Ramsey’s cross at the end of a trademark Gunners raid shortly before half-time at the John Smith’s Stadium.
The former Borussia Dortmund forward notched his 10th Premier League goal for the club – in his 12th appearance – quicker than any other Arsenal player.
“It was important for us because it was the last game of the boss,” he said. “It was important we won this game for him.
“We gave him a big round of applause. We had talked a lot already and we wrote on a book for him.
“It was special I scored the goal and I’m very happy. It’s also our first three points (on the road) this year.”
Aubameyang spent less than four months as a player under Wenger and said the manager’s announcement last month had surprised him.
“This is the life,” he said. “This is football and sometimes you never know. I was happy to play for him.
“I learned a lot. It was not a lot of time to work with him, but I learned a lot and I’m happy to be here.”