'That's Why He Was Always in Problems' -Ex-Arsenal Kenyan Staffer Validates Reason Behind Aubameyang’s Fallout With Mikel Arteta

Former Arsenal chef Bernice Kariuki has validated Mikel Arteta’s infamous decision to banish Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the club over consistent lateness issues during his time as captain of the club.

Kariuki started working for Arsenal under recommendation from Aubameyang, who met her at a penthouse in London after tasting some fire pilau prepared by the renowned Kenyan chef.

However, although Aubameyang had an unforgettable career for Arsenal, netting 93 goals in 163 appearances during his four-year spell at the club, Mikel Arteta stripped him of the captain’s armband just a year-and-a-half after committing him to sign a new deal, after his two goals won him his first-and  to this day - only trophy of his reign as manager.

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Arteta cited countless cases of disciplinary issues as a reason behind his banishment from the side

Aubameyang returned late from an authorised trip to France to visit his unwell mother — something he says, and club sources confirm, had been sanctioned. 

Although Arteta had given approval for the trip, the club’s COVID-19 protocols required a test and proper clearance. Aubameyang admitted he arrived the morning after what was agreed, and did not follow the full protocol

In the immediate aftermath, Aubameyang claimed to Colinterview that Arteta confronted him, allegedly saying: “You put a knife in my back. You can’t do that to me given the times we’re going through.” 

Aubameyang states that he was taken aback — “I was really pissed off… he knew the reason and what was happening. I was expecting help from him, not being killed like this.” 

It was not the first time lateness had cost him. Earlier that year, the striker had been dropped before a North London derby against Tottenham — which Arsenal went on to win 2-0 — for arriving late to the pre-match report.

Now, Kariuki has shed light on just how unforgiving Arsenal’s internal rules are, which ultimately led Arteta to the brink despite the decision being viewed as harsh by external observers.

“Do you know they report at 4 a.m.? If you’re not at the gate by then, you’re fined £10,000 — no excuses,” she said on the Dr Ofwenke YouTube Channel.

“That’s why Aubameyang always had problems; he just didn’t have the discipline. At Arsenal, it’s that strict. Everyone knows the rules — be on time, or pay the price.”

Kariuki opened up on how the chefs at Arsenal are required to report even earlier to work.

“I wake up at 3 a.m. to start preparing their protein shakes. That’s also when the fish delivery comes in — it has to arrive when the kitchen is cold. You must prepare fish in a cold kitchen because if it’s too hot, the proteins start breaking down.”

Kariuki, who spent more than seven years with the Gunners, described her working relationship with the players as deeply respectful, revealing she never got star-struck by the calibre of players there, including current Vice Captain Bukayo Saka.

“I’m human, but I’ve seen them from day one — they’re normal people, and that’s how they want to be treated,” she said. “When Saka comes in, I already know what he wants — A, B, C, D — everything is set. That’s the level of understanding we’ve built.”

The revelations reinforce Arteta’s emphasis on discipline, professionalism and accountability — values that have become the foundation of Arsenal’s new-era culture.