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

Portugal international delighted to don famous white shirt

New Real Madrid signing Pepe says he hopes to put an end to the recent trend of defenders struggling to adapt to life at the Bernabeu.

The Brazilian-born Portuguese joined Real from Porto for 30m Euros over the summer, becoming the latest player to attempt to overcome the ‘curse of the centre-backs’ in the Spanish capital, which has seen numerous defenders struggle to adapt to La Liga.

“I’ve heard about it, but we don’t mention it on the team, believe me,” Pepe said when asked about the famous curse. “The only thing I can say about it is that I’m happy to be able to prove my worth here and that I feel capable of putting an end to that legend.”

The 24-year-old has seen his side enjoy a good start to the new league season, with two wins from two games, and says he firmly believes the Spanish game to be the best in world football at the moment.

“Spanish football is the most beautiful strand of the sport for me, although people tend to believe this of English football nowadays. Spanish football is more technical, while the sport is much more serious, stronger and aggressive in England.”

“They don’t focus on technique and quality as much. Our coach used to be a great player who liked to play spectacular football and that is what he wants us to do. He wants the team to have an attacking mentality, but to always defend well. Our first two League encounters have proved that we don’t concede more goals by risking more in attack.”

Pepe’s arrival in Madrid has also given him the chance to play on the same stage as former Real great and personal hero Fernando Hierro, while Pepe also reveals his long-standing admiration for Real Madrid during his youth.

“Hierro was my role model. I always watched how he played and I learned a lot from him. I’ve tried to focus on not just suddenly thwarting an attack, but to use my steals as the start of one of my team’s plays.”

“I watched the Real Madrid side of the 1990s, especially when they played in the World Club Championship. Real Madrid has always been the non-Brazilian team that has caught my attention the most. I always wanted to watch their games.”

“I dreamed about playing at the Bernabeu and, thank God, I do that now. I don’t feel overwhelmed by playing for Real Madrid or by having to play at the Bernabeu. Things are going really well for me.”