Nicolas Pepe, the former record-setting African footballer, has embraced life at Villarreal without any regrets about his departure from England.
The weight of his price tag was a constant companion. When Nicolas Pepe signed with Arsenal in the summer of 2019, he was heralded as the most expensive African footballer of all time.
A £72 million acquisition, he was expected to revolutionise the Gunners’ forward line and propel them back to the upper echelons of English football. However, what followed was a tumultuous and occasionally distressing period in Premier League history.
After a series of false starts, loan spells, and attempts to reinvent himself, Pepe has finally discovered a nurturing environment at Villarreal, where he can truly express himself.
Reflecting on Arteta: A Communication Breakdown
Pepe’s Arsenal experience is one he has clearly reflected on. He made the switch from Lille hot on the heels of a remarkable 2018/19 campaign, where he netted 22 goals and provided 11 assists—second only to Kylian Mbappe in the Ligue 1 standings. The expectations were astronomical.
Sadly, those expectations were never fulfilled. Across 112 appearances over three seasons, Pepe scored just 27 goals, a return that fell significantly short of what was anticipated given the hefty investment.
By the end of his tenure, under Mikel Arteta’s increasingly complex tactics, it was as if he had disappeared from the squad. This led to a loan move to Nice, followed by a free transfer to Trabzonspor, before Villarreal offered him a new lease on life in the summer of 2024.
The stark difference between his relations with Arteta and those with Marcelino’s coaching staff speaks volumes.
“Starting with Arteta, he’s a coach who demands certain aspects. At times it was challenging for me, as there were moments of inadequate communication. That’s what I truly regret: not having the communication I needed with him.
“In contrast, with coach Marcelino, I feel we discuss everything—football, life, anything,” he added.
“I always prefer a coach who is completely transparent with me, whether it’s positive or negative. That openness allows me to advance and improve.”
A Tale of Two Leagues
Having played in both the fiercely competitive English Premier League and the technically skilled Spanish league, Pepe possesses a unique perspective.
“The intensity of play is worlds apart. In the Premier League, we focused heavily on intensity, whereas in Spain, the game is played at a more measured pace, with an emphasis on ball control,” he explained.
“As for stadiums in England, I believe you won’t find better anywhere else. Even in lower divisions, the atmospheres are simply incredible.”
“Spain has its own atmosphere, but it’s distinctly different. Both leagues are of exceptional quality, but in their own ways.”
It’s a comparison shaped by real experience, as Pepe continues to showcase his talents in LaLiga.
Standing by Arsenal, with a Caution
Given his deep ties to Arsenal, the Premier League title race was a natural conversation point for Pepe.
Arsenal had been leading the pack for a significant portion of the season, but a recent defeat to Manchester City has tightened the competition, with the title now hinging on goal difference if both teams win their remaining matches.
Pepe has been closely observing the situation. While he believes Arsenal has what it takes to clinch the title, he is equally wary of the threats posed by City.
“Honestly, I think it will boil down to the finer details. They still have the Champions League to contend with, which adds complexity. City seems focused solely on the Premier League now,” he noted.
“Ultimately, I believe it will hinge on minute details because the margin is one goal. I anticipate Arsenal will emerge as champions, but it’s disappointing to have lost to City.”
Settling into Life at the Yellow Submarine
At Villarreal, Pepe is becoming the player many always believed he could be. So far in the 2025/26 LaLiga season, he has featured in 29 matches, scoring five goals and notching up four assists.
The club is currently in third place in LaLiga, vying for a return to the Champions League after the heartbreak of an early exit last season.
The previous Champions League campaign saw Villarreal pitted against heavyweights Manchester City, Tottenham, and Juventus, leading to a painful elimination in the group stage. However, Pepe is confident in their chances to reclaim a spot among Europe’s elite.
“For Villarreal, qualifying for the Champions League again is crucial because we were eager to qualify before this year. Unfortunately, we didn’t fare well in the last Champions League,” he lamented.
“In LaLiga, our goal is to qualify to reward our fans with what they truly deserve, which is Champions League football. Right now, we’re sitting in third, and the best course of action is to maintain that position until the season concludes.”
Crucially, he believes the lessons learned from last year’s group stage catastrophe will serve Villarreal well if they return the following season.
“I doubt we can perform worse than we did this year. Based on our performance, we can only improve. We faced Manchester City, Tottenham, and Juventus; these were significant matches.
“For most players, including myself, it was our first Champions League experience. We gained valuable insights. I think if we qualify for the Champions League next season, we will fare much better.”
Influences, National Pride & World Cup Aspirations
Football for Pepe has always been shaped by the legends he admired during his youth. When asked to name his childhood inspiration, his answer is immediate.
“Yaya Toure. Growing up, I loved watching Yaya Toure at Barcelona whenever I turned on the TV.”
Like Toure, representing his country is a profound source of pride and motivation for him. However, the winger notably missed out on Emerse Fae’s Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations last December, a decision that raised eyebrows considering his performances at Villarreal.
Yet, he maintains that his connection to the Elephants has not been severed.
“When the national squad calls, you answer—it’s a matter of honour. If they come knocking, I will give everything, as they say, until I die, because it’s about our homeland and we’ll do everything for our nation.”
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and Ivory Coast gearing up for the ultimate challenge, Pepe’s resurgence at Villarreal may reignite discussions regarding his return to the squad.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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