Former Arsenal star reveals abuse from gooners almost made him quit footbu

Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe has opened up about the devastating impact of online abuse he suffered during his time at the Emirates Stadium, revealing it almost led him to quit football entirely.

Speaking to French publication L’Équipe, Pepe described the relentless online harassment he endured: “It was almost harassment. 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.”

The abuse took a heavy toll on Pepe’s mental well-being, leaving him disillusioned with the game: “At Arsenal, I suffered a kind of trauma, as if my passion had been ripped away from me, I had a disgust for football. I doubted myself to the point that I thought about quitting everything.”

He described the relentless nature of the attacks: “They even called me the biggest flop in the history of the Premier League. But I refused to mope.”

Pepe’s candid account highlights the devastating impact online abuse can have on athletes. Despite his talent and determination, he was subjected to relentless criticism, leading him to question his own abilities and even consider abandoning his beloved sport.

While Pepe’s experience is a stark reminder of the dark side of online culture, it also speaks to his resilience and determination. He ultimately overcame the challenges and is now enjoying success at Nice, proving that even in the face of adversity, talent and passion can prevail.

His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of promoting positive online discourse and offering support to athletes struggling with the pressures of social media.