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Former Real Madrid defender Pepe has revealed he is “very nervous” after signing a contract extension at current club Porto.
The veteran defender turned 40 earlier this year, and is now in his second spell with the Portuguese giants. He has made 28 appearances in all competitions this season and currently wears the captain’s armband for his club.
Ex-Real Madrid defender reveals nerves
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Despite his several years of service to Porto, the defender has revealed just how nervous his contract extension has made him, given what it means to the player.
He has put pen to paper on a 12-month extension with the Portuguese outfit, extending his stay at the club until the end of next season.
Pepe rejoined Porto in 2019, having previously played for the club from 2004 to 2007 before his high-profile switch to Real Madrid.
“I’m very nervous because it’s a contract that means a lot to me,” said Pepe, as quoted by LiveScore. “As a player and person, I usually say I’m very honest.
“I’m 40 years old but I owe a lot to Porto and I don’t want to defraud the president or the people at the club. I want to thank everyone at the club for making me better every day as a player, a person and a father.”
Serial winner
Pepe’s 12-month extension comes as the former Real Madrid star approaches the end of his 23rd season in senior football. He has spent the last five at Porto.
The veteran defender has lifted 12 trophies with the Portuguese giants across his two spells with the club, including four Primeira Liga titles.
But he is perhaps best known for his Real Madrid glory days, where he won several trophies in his decade-long stay. From 2007 to 2017, Pepe helped Real Madrid lift three La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and two Copa del Reys among other major trophies.
The iconic centre-back also boasts 133 Portugal caps, helping his nation win Euro 2016 and the 2018/19 Nations League.
He also boasts countless individual honours, with the long list including being named in the Team of the Tournament for Euro 2008, 2012 and 2016, with the defender named Man of the Match in the 2016 final.
Real Madrid sees Pepe loyalty
Despite his age, and unlike many other footballers, Pepe has been a loyal servant to the clubs he has played for, which total only four.
The defender began his senior career at Portuguese club CS Maritimo, spending a handful of years there before his switch to Porto in 2004.
Pepe had huge success in his three years at the club, with his displays earning him a move to Real Madrid three years later.
And after a decade in Spain, the legendary figure spent two years in Turkey with Besiktas before sealing a return to his beloved Porto.
The former Real Madrid man now has a huge task on his hands, with his current club four points behind leaders Benfica in the Primeira Liga table with just five matches to go.
Porto currently occupy second spot with 70 points, with their rivals Benfica top of the pile on 74 points.
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