Nicolas Pépé comes to Yan Diomandé’s defence at Real Madrid

The Ivory Coast international, reported to be the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history after his move from Leipzig, has been under intense scrutiny since arriving at the Bernabéu.

In an interview with DAZN, Nicolas Pépé says that he himself went through a similar experience when he joined Arsenal from Lille for a record fee at the time.

Drawing on this experience, Pépé believes that Yan Diomandé must be allowed to learn and develop without being subjected to excessive pressure. He also emphasises the role of senior players in the national team in supporting Yan Diomandé.

“When I arrived at Arsenal as the club’s most expensive signing ever, I didn’t really like it when people came up to me to talk about it. I put myself in his shoes and told myself that it wasn’t the right time to be talking about that.

“Right now, there’s far too much pressure. We’ll be there to support him in the national team. Alongside coach Hervé Renard, we former players are here to advise him. But for now, it’s really a case of letting him get on with it and learn.”