Nicolas Pepe Opens Up on Challenging Arsenal Spell
Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has spoken candidly about the struggles he faced during his time with the club. Pepe, a £72 million record signing for the Gunners in 2019, revealed he experienced a period of deep frustration and considered leaving football altogether.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Pepe’s overall impact fell short of expectations, leading to criticism from fans and media. He spent a season on loan at Nice before his contract at Arsenal was terminated last year.
“There were moments at Arsenal where I felt a kind of trauma,” Pepe told L’Equipe. “The passion for the game almost disappeared. I questioned everything and even considered quitting.”
The Ivorian forward emphasized his desire to play regularly, citing a significant pay cut at Nice to prioritize playing time over financial gain. He also expressed frustration with limitations on potential transfer destinations upon leaving Arsenal.
Pepe acknowledges the pressure associated with the hefty transfer fee and the challenges of adapting to a new league. He emphasizes that consistent high goal scoring is not the only measure of success, especially for a player not primarily expected to be a prolific striker.
Despite the difficulties, Pepe credits Arsenal fans for their unwavering support throughout his tenure.