Nicolas Pepe puts retirement thoughts aside as Herve Renard begins new Cote d’Ivoire era

Nicolas Pepe has decided to continue his international career with Cote d’Ivoire after a conversation with new head coach Herve Renard persuaded him to stay.

The 31-year-old forward had deliberately left his future with the Elephants uncertain following a turbulent period. However, Renard’s return to the Cote d’Ivoire dugout gave Pepe a fresh reason to carry on.

“It is true that I left some doubt about my future with Cote d’Ivoire, but I had a discussion with the coach,” said the former Arsenal player. “He explained to me what he wanted and expected from me. I think that is what tipped the balance and made me decide to continue.”

Pepe’s uncertainty came after an international career that has brought both experience and frustration. He has won more than 50 caps and scored around 10 goals, while also being part of the Cote d’Ivoire squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2024.

Despite his ability and status, he has never established himself as the attacking leader many expected. His reputation was underlined in 2019, when Arsenal signed him from Lille for 80 million euros, making him one of the most expensive Ivorian players in history.

His omission from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations represented a significant turning point. Emerse Fae surprised many by leaving Pepe out of his squad, although he later insisted the decision was not connected to controversial comments made by the player.

Pepe returned to the Elephants in the spring and subsequently featured at the World Cup. After those changes in and out of the squad, though, the possibility of international retirement became increasingly real.

Renard’s appointment has now offered him a different outlook. The French coach appears to have given Pepe a clearly defined role, which has helped convince him that he still has a part to play.

Pepe started in Cote d’Ivoire’s 2-0 win over Ghana, lining up in an attack that is undergoing significant change. Renard has begun his new cycle with eight new players in his first squad, while retaining experienced figures to support the transition.

The emergence of Yan Diomande, Amad Diallo, Bazoumana Toure and Elye Wahi means Pepe is no longer necessarily the central figure in the team’s plans. His left foot, ability to beat defenders and experience of major tournaments nevertheless give Renard another option.

The coach has already achieved one important objective by persuading Pepe not to retire. The next challenge is for the forward to turn that renewed confidence into performances and show that, at 31, his Cote d’Ivoire story still has another chapter.