Pep Guardiola now says Arsenal released a player who’s actually ‘really good’

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After Manchester City’s Champions League win, Pep Guardiola spoke about one of Arsenal’s former players.

Guardiola is a huge admirer of Mikel Arteta, but the Man City manager might be wondering why his former colleague let one Arsenal player go the way he did.

When Manchester City played Villarreal on matchday three of the Champions League, Arsenal’s Premier League rivals came up against former Gunner Nicolas Pepe.

Pepe felt tension between himself and Arteta when he was at Arsenal, ultimately leading him to the end of his time at the Emirates, leaving as a free agent in 2023.

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Pep Guardiola praises former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe

Signed for £72m and leaving for nothing four years later was not what Arsenal would’ve envisaged when purchasing Pepe from LOSC Lille.

That’s not to say that the winger wasn’t impressive, but it just didn’t happen often enough, with his future decided as Arteta made his preferences in the Arsenal squad clear.

Fortunately, Pepe is now thriving in Europe once again after a tough time in the Premier League, something Guardiola shone a light on after Man City’s win.

“He’s really good,” Guardiola responded when asked to comment on Pepe.

“It’s a long time ago that he played for Arsenal. I’m happy he’s playing here.”

Since signing for Villarreal in the 2024 summer transfer window, Pepe has recorded 13 goal contributions, something that doesn’t surprise Guardiola.

“When Arsenal paid the money, the amount they paid, it’s because he’s a really good player. Otherwise, it doesn’t happen, dangerous player.”

Pepe even punished Arsenal in pre-season on his return to the Emirates, scoring in a friendly to remind the Gunners of the player they once had.

Pepe troubled Manchester City in the Champions League

Still only 30, Pepe has been on quite the ride since deciding to sign for Arsenal in 2019.

It’s good to see that the Ivorian has found his form and confidence once again, showing that he’s capable of cutting it against Premier League opposition.

Against Man City, Pepe made his presence known, attempting four dribbles and completing as many as four key passes.

The winger’s creative strengths troubled Guardiola’s side, but Erling Haaland had the last laugh, scoring his 15th goal of the season.

Pepe is back where he is supposed to be, proving his doubters wrong at the highest level.