Pepe delighted with Real Madrid comeback

Fit-again defender looking forward to donning Portugal shirt

Real Madrid defender Pepe says he is delighted to have finally returned to action following a frustrating spell on the sidelines with injury.

The Brazilian-born defender added that he is excited about joining Portugal’s squad and possibly earning his first cap.

“I’m happy with the fact that Portugal has called me up again after so long,” he said on his inclusion in Luiz Felipe Scolari’s squad for the country’s crucial double-header against Armenia and Finland.

With Ricardo Carvalho awaiting news on a scan on a back injury sustained over the weekend, Pepe’s return to fitness has come at a crucial time for Portugal, as Scolari is already without influential defender Jorge Andrade.

Pepe moved to the Spanish capital from Porto during the summer, but has seen his start at the Bernabeu stifled by fitness problems. However, the 24-year-old made his return during Real’s 4-3 win over Mallorca on Sunday evening.

Bernabeu joy

“I’m also happy for playing with Real Madrid again. It’s been great to be able to enjoy this marvellous atmosphere again after such a long time. I went through a hard time with my injury, but luckily got through it.”

“I’ve been inactive for a very long time, but I’ve pulled through thanks to my team-mates and my family. You only think about recovering when you’re injured. At times it all seemed to be endless.

“We were calm throughout the encounter (against Mallorca) and we were able to turn the score around. The game was tough, but we had a positive attitude and pulled through. We must now continue working hard.”

“The three points are very important because they allow us to relax a bit more during the League stoppage. Robinho? He is playing brilliantly. Thank God we can all enjoy the football he is showcasing.”