Pepe loving life at Real Madrid

“Close squad” and “beautiful city” leaves defender beaming

Portuguese international defender Pepe has reaffirmed his happiness following his summer move to Spanish champions Real Madrid.

After initial struggles with injury, the Brazilian-born stopper, who moved to the Bernabeu from FC Porto for 30m Euros in August, has been in impressive form in recent months, earning praise from sections of the Spanish media.

“I always dreamed about playing for Real Madrid and I have worked very hard all my life to achieve this. It’s true that I made the move very soon,” the 24-year-old said on Wednesday.

“I think the team has a very good squad. Any player who aspires to be the best in the world has to play for Real Madrid. I have a lot to prove. This is my first year here and I still have a long time. I’m calm because I joined this club to become a better player.”

“We always know what we’re doing and where we play, like in Sunday’s derby. We knew where we were and what was at stake. There is a great atmosphere on the squad. We are very close.”

“It is very hard to defend in a team like Real Madrid because it always plays to win. We all have to be very concentrated.”

“Madrid is a beautiful city and it has a lot of life, which is important. It is very different to Porto. The lifestyle is different.”

Ronaldo invite

In addition to his own future, Pepe was also asked about the possibility of Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo making the move to the Spanish capital from English champions Manchester United, with Real’s firm interest in the player recently reported in the press.

“I would really like for him to come here,” Pepe said. “He has the aim of being the best player in the world, so for that to happen he should move to Madrid. It would be very important for his future.”