Commanding Pepe living a dream at Real Madrid

Defender receives standing ovation from Bernabeu crowd

When Real Madrid played FC Porto 30m Euros for Brazilian-born Portuguese international Pepe over the summer, many pundits and fans in the Spanish capital raised doubts over the signing.

Despite his excellent form in Portugal, Pepe had a lot of work to do to convince his new fans that he would be worth the outlay. His start to life in Madrid was hardly helped by an early injury, which saw him out of action for two months.

However, since returning to full fitness last month, the 24-year-old has made a huge impact at the Bernabeu with a string of commanding performances. Pepe is now a fixture in the team in central defence, and was even given his first ovation from the Los Merengues fans last weekend.

“It’s a nice feeling to know you have done a good job,” Pepe told Spanish daily Marca when asked about the show of appreciation from the supporters. “The Bernabeu doesn’t give an ovation like that everyday. It was a dream come true.”

Press praise

With the press in Madrid currently eulogising over Pepe’s recent form, the powerful stopper appears to have finally ended a long-running trend of expensive defenders who have failed to make the grade at the nine-time European champions.

“I know many centre backs have had trouble on this team, but I think I’m being successful here, just like the rest of the players here now,” Pepe said. “I’ve always had faith in myself, despite what people have told me about (Walter) Samuel and (Jonathan) Woodgate.

“Yes it’s harder for defenders here, because Real Madrid doesn’t only want to win, but to give spectacle. We defend with very few players. Our rivals are aware of this and they give us room to attack in order to surprise us with a counterattack.

“I felt anguish while I was injured, but I didn’t feel pressure or anxiety. I signed a five-year contract, which gives me a lot of time in which to be successful. The 30 million deal is the club’s problem, not mine.

“They were after me for a very long time and decided to pay that amount. They must have been sure of their decision in order to do so, and that leaves me at ease.”


Related: Pepe vows to break “Real Madrid centre-back curse”