Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s father has described the 34-year-old’s time at Chelsea as a nightmare and revealed why his move to Marseille came as a big ‘relief’.

Aubameyang sealed his escape from the Premier League giants earlier this month after signing a three-year deal with the French side.

The transfer puts an end to his disappointing spell at Chelsea and his ill-fated return to the Premier League following his previous spell with Arsenal.

Aubameyang’s father believes the transfer to Marseille will help resurrect his son’s career after a ‘nightmare year at Chelsea’.

Speaking to L’Equipe, Pierre-Francois Aubameyang said: “His jaw was broken by robbers at his home in Barcelona while trying to protect his wife and children.

“At Chelsea, he played with a mask at the start. It could only be a nightmare year. Now it’s over. He has a smile. He knows that I’m seeing the light again because I can walk and run since my last operation.”

Aubameyang’s father went on to add: “He’s signing for (Marseille). It is a big relief after the nightmare year that he experienced (at Chelsea).

“There was contact with Saudi Arabia, but when (Marseille) come forward… who hasn’t dreamed of playing for this club? Especially in Africa. I keep receiving messages from back home.”

Aubameyang joined Chelsea on deadline day last summer as the anticipated solution to their search for an out-and-out goalscoring No 9.