In a recent interview, Nicolas Pepe reflected on his time at Arsenal, expressing that he has no regrets about his four-year tenure with the club. The Ivorian forward joined Arsenal in a record-breaking move valued at £72 million and made a total of 112 appearances. Despite facing criticism regarding his performance in relation to that hefty price tag, Pepe maintains a positive outlook on his contributions to the team.
Now playing for Villarreal in La Liga, Pepe is set to return to the Emirates Stadium for a pre-season friendly. In speaking with BBC Sport, he acknowledged the challenging expectations that accompanied his transfer, noting that fans initially judged him based on his transfer cost rather than his actual performances. He stated, “I think I did some great things while at Arsenal. I don’t regret my time there.”
Pepe scored 27 goals for Arsenal across his time with the club, and after departing to Trabzonspor in 2023, he has since settled into life in Spain. He candidly mentioned that if Arsenal had signed him for a lower fee, perceptions might have been different: “If Arsenal bought me for £20m, maybe it’d be different… That’s how it is in the football world.”
He further compared his situation to other players like Mykhailo Mudryk and Antony, who have also faced scrutiny despite their talent. Pepe’s insights shed light on the pressures that come with high-profile transfers and the often-unrealistic expectations placed on players.
This perspective can serve as a reminder to both fans and clubs alike about the importance of patience and understanding in the footballing world, where performance can be influenced by many factors beyond just skill.