Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has defended his goal celebrations that involve him wearing the masks of different superheroes after being criticised by Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.
Speaking on his Einfach mal Luppen podcast, Germany international Kroos said this week that he was not a fan of the former Borussia Dortmund striker's celebrations and did not believe it was the behaviour of a good role model.
"By the way. Does this @ToniKroos have kids? Just to remember I did it for my son few times and I will do it again," Aubameyang said in a post on Twitter that was accompanied by a picture of him in a cape, as drawn by a child.
"I wish you have kids one day and make them happy like these junior school pupils. Talk and don't forget #maskon #staysafe."
By the way
— Aubameyang P-E (@Aubameyang7) November 12, 2020
Does this @ToniKroos have Kids?
Just to remember i did it for my son few Times and i will do it again
I wish you have Kids one day and make them happy like this Junior School pupils Talk 🙏🏽👊🏽 and don't Forget #maskon #staysafe 🤡bis https://t.co/J4ZF1XGlsU
Kroos replied to Aubameyang: "THIS Toni Kroos has 3 Kids."
Mesut Ozil, Aubameyang's club teammate and former Germany international with Kroos, later tweeted a gif of Aubameyang's Black Panther celebration and captioned it: "The best goal celebration!"
The best goal celebration! ⚽💥 @Aubameyang7 pic.twitter.com/A9QePDLwCL
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) November 12, 2020
Kroos has also criticised Antoine Griezmann for performing dance moves from the video game Fortnite after scoring goals.
Aubameyang wore a Black Panther mask after scoring a brace against Rennes in Arsenal's Europa League round-of-16 second-leg match in March 2019. He did so again in August 2020 after scoring against Liverpool as a sign of respect for the actor Chadwick Boseman following his death.
He has also worn Batman and Spiderman masks in the past.
The striker has scored two goals in the Premier League this season and will look to add to his tally when Arsenal travel to Leeds United on Nov. 22 following the international break.