Portuguese player Pepe spoke to AS about his career, current Real Madrid, and other topics.
The former Real Madrid defender retired last summer after 23 years in the top flight. Named an honorary member of the Peña Ramón Mendoza last Saturday, the man who played 334 times for the Whites gave an interview to the daily newspaper AS.
Always a fan favorite, the Portuguese said: “I’ve always felt that affection. From the first day, when I started in 2007, until today. Wherever I am, even in other countries, people have a kind word for me. I thank Real Madrid for the moments they gave me as a footballer. Today, after my retirement, I still feel part of this great club.”
On Real Madrid’s current season: “The team is doing well, it’s still alive on all three fronts. Madrid will always fight until the last minute for all three competitions.” On the emergence of canterano Raúl Asencio, a player who plays in his position, the Portuguese said: “He’s a kid with a lot of guts. He has desire and a lot of quality. He’s going to contribute a lot, as he already does, to help Madrid win titles.”
He then reflected on the Champions League round of 16 match against Atlético: “It was a real ordeal for me. We suffered a lot. But the most important thing was Madrid’s victory. When this team enters a competition, they always do it to win. The players gave their all in those matches. Atlético was a tough team, but Madrid beat them, and now we have to prepare well for the next matches.”
As someone who knows the Madrid dressing room well, we asked him which player in the current squad he would have liked to play with. “I think they’re all very good. One in particular? I played against Mbappé. Few people really know him as he is off the pitch. He’s a great player and a great person.”
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