Nicolas Pepe's former youth coach has revealed that the Arsenal target played football like he was playing in the school playground during his time in the youth teams at Angers.
Pepe is set to complete a club record £72m move to the Emirates Stadium in the coming days, but has not always had an easy time during his early career, despite this, he has always played with a smile on his face, which should mean that he will fit in with new teammates Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang. Both of whom have been using social media to send hints about the Ivorian's imminent arrival at the Emirates.
In 2013, Pepe made the move from his hometown club of Poltiers to Ligue 1 side Angers, where he came under the management of youth coach Abdel Bouhazama, who has spoken of the winger's laid back playing style.
"He played football like he was playing with his mates, as if he was playing against the side of a building or at school," He told Bleacher Report.
"For him, football was a game. It was something you did for pleasure. The statistics—goals, assists—that was all new to him."
After four years at Angers, including a loan spell at US Orleans, Pepe secured a move to Lille, where he properly kicked on and showed the world what he could do.
Arsenal fans will now be hoping that the progression will continue after his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
Coincidently, Arsenal will take on Pepe's former club Angers in a pre-season friendly at the Stade Jean-Bouin this evening (Wednesday), where, should the transfer become official, the winger will be able to catch up with both new and old friends.
