NICOLAS PEPE received a hero’s welcome at Trabzonspor to the delight of Arsenal fans.

The 28-year-old signed for the Turkish side after the Gunners ripped up his contract to allow him to leave for free despite him having one year left on his deal.

Nicolas Pepe got a special welcome as he arrived in Turkey

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The ex-Arsenal star chanted with Trabzonspor fans at the airport

His £72m move to the Gunners did not work out and he has left for free

Pepe joined Arsenal in 2019 for a then club-record fee of £72million from Lille.

But the flop failed to impress in the Premier League, scoring 27 goals in 112 games before being shipped out on loan to Nice last season.

The winger was not wanted by Mikel Arteta and the club eventually forced him out as he agreed a deal with Trabzonspor.

A private jet carrying Pepe touched down in his new home and he was greeted by passionate fans at the airport.

They gathered around him and the Ivorian led chants with his new supporters.

Pepe had a huge smile on his face as he jumped up and down in a Trabzonspor kit.

Arsenal fans are pleased to see him smile after a tough time in North London, one said: “He just looks happy again.”

Another added: “He will do well for sure, wish him the best.”

A third commented: “Glad he’s happy and enjoying himself, far better than being in a place where he isn’t wanted.”

Although Pepe’s Arsenal nightmare is over, it is not done for his former employers yet.

Of the £72 million they committed to pay for him four years ago, the club is believed to still owe Lille £10 million.

Furthermore, the deal’s structure has remained the same even after Pepe left the Emirates.

However, the club now saves £150,000 a week in wages thanks to his departure.