'This was the worst moment of feeling sick in my life': Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang reveals he lost 'four kilos' as he opens up on malaria battle

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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed he lost over half a stone during his battle with malaria but is now ready to repay Arsenal and their fans after one of the toughest seasons of his career.

Aubameyang says he is back up to 90 per cent physically - but 'in my mind, I feel more than 100 per cent' - after being hospitalised by what he described as 'the worst moment of being sick' he has ever suffered.

Arsenal's captain, 31, contracted the killer disease while on international duty with Gabon and managed to play twice before the seriousness of his condition became clear and he eventually missed five games.

Ahead of Arsenal's Europa League semi-final second leg against Villarreal, Aubameyang said: 'I was feeling very, very bad. This was the worst moment of being sick in my life. I had three days in a row, fever, all day and all night, non-stop.

'Even the paracetamol and stuff had no effect. After that, I spoke to the doctor. I said I needed to go to the hospital because I was travelling to Africa so maybe it was something like malaria. I stayed in hospital for three days.

'I was really, really down and I think I lost four kilos. It was a really bad moment and my family was a bit scared to see me like this. 

Arsenal skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he is nearly back to full fitness

Aubameyang was hospitalised after contracting malaria on international duty with Gabon

'After that, I had some good treatments. The staff and the doctors in the hospital did very well.

'I'm lucky that we took it in the end at the right moment because sometimes with malaria, if you don't treat it quickly, you can have some big problems.'

Aubameyang's malaria fight was the latest setback to affect his season, which began with a bumper new contract and high hopes.

He said: 'I had some really bad seasons at the beginning of my career. In the past few years, this has been the most difficult but this is life sometimes. I know it's been a really tough year because I've had some issues on and off the pitch.

'But I'm feeling confident for the end of the season. I'm hungry and want to finish it well for the club. Maybe it's the start of the season for me, hopefully

'I was out for a few weeks and I had time to think about all of this season. I have to give something back to the club and to the fans.

'Everyone was expecting me to score more goals, I know it. Maybe I feel a bit responsible for the situation we are in.

'They are waiting for something from me and it's the right moment to show I am capable of doing it.'

Before being struck down by malaria Aubameyang was granted compassionate leave by Arsenal in January to care for his mother in France when she fell ill.

He said: 'It was a really nice thing from the club, especially for me because I'm used to seeing my family quite often.

'When I am playing at home they come to the stadium quite often. She's feeling so much better and she's really very well.' 

He then missed the north London derby in March, being dropped to the bench after arriving late for the game.

'Of course I regret that,' Aubameyang said. 'It was a bad moment but my feeling after the game was just that we had won the derby and this is it. This is part of this season and now it's gone.

'I am just looking forward to end the season well.'

Despite all the mitigation, including Aubameyang's form suffering amid Arsenal's inconsistency as a whole, he has often found himself as the lightning rod for the criticism that has come their way. 

The striker returned to the starting line-up against Newcastle and got on the scoresheet

Some of his heroics such as those to inspire Arsenal to FA Cup glory last season have been quickly forgotten.

His doubles in the semi-final against Manchester City and final against Chelsea are prime examples of his knack of delivering on big occasions.

Aubameyang believes his best Gunners performance came in the Europa League semi-final against Valencia two years ago when he scored a hat-trick to send Arsenal through.

Villarreal manager Unai Emery, who labelled Aubameyang a 'killer' striker ahead of his Emirates return, will have fond memories of that night as Arsenal's manager at the time.

Aubameyang said: 'I was really motivated in these types of games because a few times I received some criticism about not being involved in big games so I wanted to show people it is not true.

'This is why I am really, really excited to play this game tomorrow, it is a big game and a big moment for all of us, so hopefully I will deliver again.'