Pepe's statement sent shockwaves throughout Nottingham and England. No one expected the man known as Nottingham Forest's most loyal warrior to request for a transfer on his own accord, especially after how the football club had stood behind him when he was given a match ban by UEFA.
However, those familiar with the relationship Pepe shared with Twain would understand the rationale behind his decision. The person Pepe was loyal to was Tony Twain, not Evan Doughty. Now that Twain had left Forest, there was no reason for Pepe to stay.
To Pepe, a football club unable to keep an illustrious manager was a sign of trouble within the club. He did not need to continue working for such a club.
It was only natural for him to choose to leave.
The Nottingham Forest fans did not think the same way he did.
They viewed his actions as another act of betrayal following Tony Twain's departure.
