Berlin: Borussia Dortmund coach Peter Stoeger says now that the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang transfer saga is finally over his side can refocus on their football as they prepare to face resurgent Cologne on Friday.

“It became a topic behind which no one could hide,” Stoeger explained.

“It’s good that it’s over, because the topic attracted such an incredible amount of attention,” Stoeger told Bild.

Arsenal spent a new club record £56 million ($79.2m, 63.7m euros) on Wednesday to sign the Gabon striker and end weeks of speculation. Stoeger, who took charge in December, dropped Aubameyang for Dortmund’s first two Bundesliga matches of 2018, yet has defended the star striker.

“In my time, he was never late (to training),” said Stoeger. “He once skipped a team meeting and once trained badly because he obviously wanted to send a signal, but otherwise he behaved properly.

“I can not say that the boys (team) were so upset (by his behaviour).”

Nevertheless, Stoeger is delighted the saga is over — for all parties concerned.

Agencies