After two months in the infirmary, Nicolas Pépé returned to the pitch just before the international break. The Ivorian international now wants to find his rhythm and participate in the exciting games that await Nice until the end of the season.
Nicolas Pépé at Nice, it seems more like a story of missed timing. Arriving on loan from Arsenal last summer, the Ivorian (35 caps, 9 goals) found a moribund, listless team. And in January, the left-hander suffered a knee problem that forced him to miss two months of competition. This while Nice had just changed coach to appoint Didier Digard. During his convalescence, the Aiglons took off and are fighting for Europe with a seventh place in Ligue 1. Nice remains on 10 matches without defeat in the league (6 wins). The former Lille player made his return to the Europa League Conference against Sheriff Tiraspol before the international break.
Precisely, this international interlude had a positive effect for Nicolas Pépé. Not called up for the Ivory Coast, the 27-year-old player has regained his optimal form. "This break has served me well, I spent my time taking care of myself and working. Today, yes, I am at 100% of my means even if it will take me some time to find the rhythm. Despite the injury, I wanted to stay with the team and come to training, I have always done so. With the series that we are making, we want to finish well. We lost a lot of players for this end of season so I want to help", he said, relayed by Francebleu.fr.
Angers to find some punch
Nicolas Pépé has a great opportunity to seize this Sunday, April 2nd. Nice moves to Angers for the 29th day of Ligue 1. A special match because the Ivorian was trained at SCO. "I saw them play against Lens, they were not bad at all. It's my training club, I'm very sad to see them in this situation (last of Ligue 1)," said Pepe, author of 8 goals this season in 25 games in all competitions (6 goals in 17 games of Ligue 1).
Beyond the end of the season, Nicolas Pépé will also have to think about next season, as he is on loan without an option to buy from Arsenal. However, the winger does not want to take the head with it. "I am very happy in Nice, there are still two important months for the club. I want to focus on these last two months and the rest I do not know. There will be discussions. I don't know what Arsenal want to do. I still have many friends there. I could have been important for this club, but it's the coach's choice.
