Nicolas Pepe Reveals How He Almost Quit Football At Arsenal

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Written by: Stigg Munene| Posted just now

Nicolas Pepe's tenure at Arsenal has been a rollercoaster ride marked by highs and lows, as the Ivorian winger grappled with the weight of a record-breaking £72 million transfer fee from Lille in 2019.

Despite showing glimpses of his talent with 27 goals and 21 assists in 112 appearances for the Gunners, Pepe faced relentless scrutiny and criticism from various quarters, including the media and certain factions within the club itself.

In a candid interview with L'Equipe, Pepe revealed the toll this constant criticism took on him, describing it as almost harassment and admitting that it nearly led him to consider quitting football altogether.

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The pressure to live up to the lofty expectations set by his price tag became a burden that affected not only his performance on the pitch but also his mental well-being and passion for the game.

"The jabs taken at me - which was fed back to me by family members - almost led me to jack in football altogether," Pepe shared, reflecting on the challenges he faced during his time at Arsenal. "It was almost harassment... They don't realise that it can affect your mental state, your family, and it affects performance."

Despite the adversity, Pepe remained resilient, finding solace and support in the Arsenal fanbase who stood by him throughout his turbulent spell in North London.

"The only people who have always supported me are the Arsenal fans," he acknowledged gratefully.

Pepe's journey at Arsenal was marked by personal growth and perseverance in the face of adversity.

His experience serves as a poignant reminder of the mental pressures and scrutiny faced by top-level athletes, even as they strive to excel on the pitch.

He is now a free agent after a stint in Türkiye with Trabzonspor where he scored six goals and provided three assists in 23 league appearances.

Pepe is now navigating his next career move cautiously, weighing offers from clubs in Europe and beyond.

As he continues to press on and look ahead into the next chapter of his footballing career, Nicolas Pepe's story stands as a testament to resilience, overcoming challenges, and the enduring support of fans amidst the highs and lows of professional football.

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Source: MOZZART