Former Arsenal flop reveals he wanted to ‘retire’ after disastrous spell in England

The Dark Side of Football: Nicolas Pepe Opens Up About His Traumatic Experience at Arsenal

In a shocking revelation, former Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe has spoken out about the "trauma" he suffered during his time at the club, which almost led to his early retirement. The Ivorian international joined the Gunners in 2019 for a then-club record fee of £72million, but his experience was marred by intense pressure and criticism.

Pepe told French news outlet L’Equipe that he felt "disgust" for the game and doubted himself to the point where he considered giving up football altogether. He was mercilessly criticized by fans and the media, with some even labeling him the "biggest flop in the history of the Premier League".

The 28-year-old admitted that the constant negativity took a toll on his performances, leading to a downward spiral of self-doubt and anxiety. "It was almost harassment," he said. "I don’t look at social media much, but if my brother told me, ‘This is what they said about you,’ it would affect me unconsciously."

Pepe’s experience is a stark reminder of the intense pressure and scrutiny that footballers face at the top level. With the game’s increasing commercialization and social media presence, players are now more exposed than ever to the whims of fans and the media.

The former Arsenal man’s story serves as a wake-up call for the football community to prioritize player welfare and mental health. It’s time for us to recognize that footballers are human beings, too, and that their well-being is just as important as their performance on the pitch.

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