Nicolas Pepe: Ex-Arsenal player says Gunners fans judged his fee

But getting himself right physically, as he goes on to explain, is important after his spells at Nice and Trabzonspor were hit by injury.

“It’s been two years since I’ve done pre-season. And I feel great when I start pre-season. I’m physically in good form, I need it to get back to being the fast player I used to be.”

Pepe seemed in a hopeful mood after a meeting at his agency about his next move. He hopes that he will soon be able to deliver news about his next club and isn’t ruling out a return to English football to take on the critics head on.

“I definitely learnt a lot,” he said. “Yes, of course, I’m the same player. I’m just getting older, which is normal, but I’m still the same player.

“I can definitely replicate my past performances. I just need to play based on my physical condition, the confidence of the club and love from the fans. So, it involves all of that.

“When we see a player playing well and scoring loads of goals, it’s because he has all those things around him: a supportive coach, club, and adoring fans. So, I think that’s essential for a player to play well.”

He added: “We listen to all offers, and then it’s my representatives who’ll let me know a club’s real intentions, and if it’s not a serious offer, I don’t hear about it. Let’s see what happens. But I’m not ruling out a return to England.”