20.01.2015 19:01 h

Aubameyang senior proud son a bigger star

Pierre Aubameyang, father of Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick, has said he is proud his son has gone on to be a bigger star than he ever was.

Pierre Aubameyang made history when he led Gabon at their Africa Cup of Nations debut in 1994 in Tunisia and his son is now also the captain of his country.

"I am very proud of him especially seeing him captain Gabon, just as I did.

"And he is now an even bigger star than I was. He has to continue to develop," said Aubameyang senior, who is at this year's Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea as an assistant coach of Gabon.

"I remember as a kid, he would play as a footballer, a journalist and even as a fan. And he kept my captain's armband. Maybe this was a sign."

He added: "In 2009, if I were told my son would be captain of Gabon, I would probably not have believed it. But here we are in 2015.

"I analyse all his moves, maybe more than the other players, because I am also his manager.

"I am not scared for him because he will cope with the responsibilities that come with being a captain."

The Borussia Dortmund forward, who netted the opener in Gabon's 2-0 win against Burkina Faso in Group A on Saturday, has said he hopes to eventually be remembered in the same bracket as the likes of Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba and Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o, and his father is backing him all the way.

"I heard Eto'o say he has his qualities and those of Drogba. It's a good sign. But I am already very proud of him," Aubameyang senior remarked on the eve of Gabon's second group game against Congo Brazzaville in Bata.