The pair spent two years together in Germany, winning the DFB-Pokal for Die Schwarzgelben in 2016/17. In total, Aubameyang scored 79 goals in 95 appearances under Tuchel at Westfalenstadion before the Bavarian left the Bundesliga in the summer of 2017.

Following the 33-year-old’s return to London, we take a look at some of the comments Tuchel has made about the forward over the years…

Aubameyang the person…

‘I can only say the best things about Auba as a player and as a person. I enjoyed a lot working with him while I was at Dortmund.

‘Some players stay your players because you were very, very close, and Auba is one of those players. There was always straightaway this close bond. They always stay your players in a way.

‘He's fun-loving and a happy person. That makes things easier for me.’

Working together…

‘Aubameyang is an extrovert but very sensitive. It would be the worst thing to curb his character.

‘You can address harsh criticism when talking to him but he won’t bear grudges. Rather, he will try to understand the other side.

‘He can keep things on a factual level and this is what singles out a top professional.’

Aubameyang the player…

‘It’s an honour to be his coach. He’s bursting with confidence and ability. He gives a lot to the team and gets a lot back.

‘I am hugely impressed with the way he gives everything to be the complete and perfect forward.

‘His aim is to score goals and he totally defines himself as a goalscorer but he’s also incredibly committed to the team and so happy when he enables others to score.’

Aubameyang’s importance at Dortmund…

‘He’s an extraordinary player who makes everyone better. He is incredibly important.

‘We depend on him and will not achieve any of our objectives without him. If Aubameyang is in top form, we are confident of scoring goals at any given moment.’