Pepe: "Cristiano Ronaldo is a machine"

Real Madrid defender Pepe believes that Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d'Or. He stated in an interview the Portuguese central defender granted to the newspaper 'O Jogo'. "He is a machine" he said referring to his teammate for club and national team.

Pepe

Pepe is very clear, he would give the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or) for Cristiano because he is the "best player in the world". In comparison with Messi said that "It is hard to choose, but Ronaldo is a more complete player. He is a machine", he continued, and even if Cristiano was not the top scorer of the year, argued that "Cristiano deserves the highest individual award". In addition, continuing with the discussion Cristiano-Messi, the player has indicated that the achievement of the Spanish League "the most competitive in the world" by Real Madrid should help Cristiano Ronaldo to win against the Argentine star.

On a personal level, the international has admitted he is in a "calm and stable phase". "The renewal with Real Madrid has given me stability", he said. "I am fine physically, calm and with confidence", he said confidently. Pepe renewed his contract with Real Madrid in last July. The Portuguese player confessed that other strong European teams were interested in his services, but he explained why chose white team. Pepe: "Real Madrid is a club that has always treated fairly and very well. I think that people recognize that I always give my best on the field and that iswhy I get many supporters admiration", said the Real Madrid defender.

Pepe will meet next Saturday to his teammates Özil and Khedira in the match of Eurocup 2012 that will face Portugal and Germany. Regarding the meeting with the Germans, the Portuguese defender has acknowledged that he joked about it with his "friends" in some training, but has stressed that "they all play their best in defense of their interests", which this time will be divergent.

Pepe has a big dream and does not hide it. The Portuguese defender wants to put his hands at the UEFA Champions League trophy and he believes this could be next year. Pepe: "I want to win the UEFA Champions League. I have already won the Spanish Leahue and the Spanish Cup, but what I really want is the Champions League. I am very confident this could be the right year for that to happen. We are a very strong team, in a very similar way to the Portuguese National Team, since everyone is united towards the same objectives", noted Pepe.

Mourinho's top three players of the 2011-2012 season

Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Sergio Ramos. For Mourinho, they are the top three players have finished the season in best form. And in this line the manager and coach of Real Madrid wants to continue with reinforcements. Footballers who do not lose power to endure eight months to a high pace and playing every game at full intensity.

When the Portuguese coach was asked last Saturday at the press conference before playing against Mallorca, in which appeared with his sporty family (Rui Faria, Karanka, Silvino Louro and Morais), his evaluation of the season, his response after stopping to think a few seconds, was: "9". He then was asked by the players and said: "10 to some". That 'some' was emphasized or underlined in his intonation to make clear that, despite being a positive season, not everything has gone well.

The level of demand required for Mourinho to all players is fundamental to win titles and only thus can be explained that this Real Madrid has managed to win the league with 100 points and breaking records as the 32 victories in the championship or the 121 goals. It's time to give a scientific explanation and for that, Mourinho and his team are evaluating the real and objetive figures of each player. Are the notes of the season. There are some players who have held up better than others the highly competitive effort it takes to be champion.

Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Cristiano Ronaldo

The top three players in the squad are Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe and Sergio Ramos. They are the field players have played more minutes and have suffered less wear. Their capacity to resist has led them to achieve the 10 note for Mourinho. The explanation lies in their physical and in the disciplined daily work that has been done since the start of pre-season in July until the present day. They have not been neglected. They have undergone a comprehensive fitness plan, specific work in the gym, diet and rest, which has made them overcome any downturn and injury.

Cristiano Ronaldo has played 53 games in all competitions, with a total of 4,910 minutes. Is estimated he has surpassed the barrier of 500 kilometers, calculating a minimum average of 10 kilometers per game. His figures are almost similar to last season. He played 55 games, with 5,090 minutes.

Pepe is a player who has improved a lot. This season has overcome the numbers in games played: 45 by 32 of the past season. But what is celebrated is that he has not suffered the injuries of past years. He has taken a qualitative leap in their physical condition.

Just as Sergio Ramos, a physical prodigy with an insatiable mindset to compete and play even though this season has played with back problems. He has played 51 games, with 4,665 minutes, while last season he played 46 games.

And Mourinho thinks that now is the time to take another step. The game against Bayern Munich was a warning. The Germans dominated the match at the Bernabeu and won in individual duels what was key to the team could not take advantage of the 2-0 after the first 15 minutes. The last effort to reach the final of the Champions League could not be performed, forces failed at the most important and crucial moment of the season.

And all this serves to analyze which positions must be strengthened in the forthcoming season, which players need a replacement, what demarcations are most vulnerable and where the team can grow.

Cristiano reconciles Carvalho and Pepe

Cristiano Ronaldo was the architect of reconciliation between Carvalho and Pepe. He wanted the bad vibes and the controversy could finalize yesterday. The seven, captain of Portugal and one of the heavyweights of Real Madrid, walked among his countrymen toward the three Valdebebas field. In public, with cameras present, he got together with his two companions and led to a hug with the defenders that sealed a final peace.

The striker grabbed Pepe by his shoulder and took him to Carvalho, who was one meter from them. Between jokes, Cristiano joined them in an embrace. Joining them Marcelo and Coentrao witnessed the scene. The Brazilian applauded smiling the reconciliation of their peers.

After the embrace and laughs, Pepe and Carvalho continued talking together and removed the last problems as they walked towards the pitch. They talked until they started to work. Then, with peace, Pepe stood by Cristiano and Coentrao, while Carvalho began to train with Kaka.

The situation was different from that experienced in training on Tuesday, where Portuguese defenders were not crossed a look. The problem was within the team when Carvalho noted to his companion as the cause for leaving Portugal national team: "I ​​left the national team due to an injustice. Pepe, without training, would play as starter". Seven days later everything is back to normal.

Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Carvalho

Squad: Pepe (3)

Pepe

Kleper Laveran Lima Ferreira ‘Pepe’ was born on 26 February 1983 in Maceió, Brazil. He began his football career with a local neighborhood team and put the finishing touches on his development with Corinthians Alagoano. At the age of 18 he signed for the Portugal’s CS Marítimo B squad on the island of Madeira. Although he had difficulty adjusting to island of life, Pepe made fast progress, which happened to match the attention of European football giant, Porto, who he signed for in 2004.

Pepe has been considered by many as the perfect 21st century centre-back. He is said to have scissors attached to his legs because he cuts off absolutely everything, but he also exhibits uncanny technique, perfect tactical prowess, great placement, strength, intelligence, a dominant aerial game…

Performances like that displayed in Real Madrid’s 0-1 victory in the Camp Nou in 2007/08 only confirm Pepe’s status among the world’s best. His perfect match, and perhaps the best of his blossoming career, garnished him Man of the Match honours.

Data

• Place of Birth: Maceió, Brazil
• Date of Birth: 26/02/1986
• Position: Defender
• Weight: 81 kg
• Height: 187.1 cm
• Nationality: Portuguese/Brazilian

Honours

• Copa del Rey: 2011
• La Liga: 2007/08
• Spanish Super Cup: 2008
• Portuguese League: 2005/06, 2006/07
• Super Cup Cândido de Oliveira: 2006
• Cup of Portugal: 2005/06
• Intercontinental Cup: 2004

Link

Sergio Ramos and Pepe: Happy with their renewal

Sergio Ramos and Pepe were very satisfied with their contract extensions until 2017 and until 2016 respectively. Pepe valued his contract extension: "Mourinho has been important, but I was here before coach. I arrived, showed my football when everyone had doubts and I've finally been able to renew. I was sure that was on track and now I am overjoyed because I will be where I always wanted to be, Real Madrid".

Meanwhile, Sergio Ramos said: "It has cost and has been delayed, but my idea has always been spend many years here, to renew and enjoy the Real Madrid and that my name can live here for many years. I have always felt renewed, least important is when. This was delayed because I had no concern. I was just focused on playing football and when the work was done, I could sign the contract extension and for a long period of years".

Pepe and Ramos very happy in Los Angeles

Both, as major players in the template, rated the signings of Coentrao and Varane, who will accompany them on defense. The Portuguese spoke of his compatriot: "He's a great player but still has a lot to learn. We will try to integrate him. He will give us a lot of work and creativity. He will help a lot".

Sergio Ramos analyzed Varane, whom he calls Rafa: "He's a young boy with a lot of future. Everything that is to sign youth and future, and if he comes recommended by Zizou, is good for us. Now we must help him to be integrated into the template. He's fast, strong and with good ball pass".

Sergio Ramos and Pepe have extended their contracts

Today it has made ​official. Real Madrid has renewed the contracts of Pepe and Sergio Ramos. The Portuguese's has been extended to 2016 and Spanish's to 2017. Sergio Ramos is one of the captains of the template and came to Madrid in the 2004-05 season by an amount of 27 million euros. He was the first Spanish signing of the first era of Florentino Perez. The signing of Pepe (2007-08) was a record for a defender. He came from Porto by 30 million at the stage of Calderon (President) and Mijatovic (General manager).

The official announcement says: "Sergio Ramos and Pepe have extended their contracts with Real Madrid C.F. to the 2016/17 and 2015/16 seasons, respectively".

Sergio Ramos and Pepe

Real Madrid agrees to extend the contract of Pepe, a request for Mourinho who was willing to publicly call for his renewal. His performance in the field has been exceptional in the four seasons he has dressed in white, but has the problem of his many injuries, has played only 45% of minutes played by the white team. Pepe was one of the lowest paid players of the template (1.8 million euros per season) and now his salary is increased to 3.8

The impetus and the quality of Sergio Ramos have made him a key man in the template. He has alternated the position of central defender and right side with the different coaches he has had. Even played once as midfielder with Luxemburgo. Ramos rises from 3.5 to 4.5 million euros per season.

Sergio Ramos and Pepe woke up in Los Angeles knowing their contracts with Real Madrid had been extended. Both players were visibly happy with the news and were congratulated by all their teammates upon arriving to the UCLA training facilities.

Chelsea wants to sign Pepe

Andre Villas-Boas wants to repeat at Chelsea his spectacular first year at Porto, with which he won three titles. He is designing his template and has more than enough millions euros to do it. Wants the best from each team, and has set his sights on the Real Madrid defender. He wants to sign Pepe right now, for playing in the defense and as midfielder. He wants Pepe becomes the strong man of the English team and is willing to pay the high salary that Real Madrid has been denying to the player for months.

When last season ended, Pepe left with practically closed renewal (four years and four million net per season) but in the absence of signature, as himself confirmed in an interview. Abrahamovich is willing to offer 5 million euro annually that the player requested at the beggining of negotiations to renew with Real Madrid, with a five seasons contract period.

Pepe

Interview: Pepe

PEPE: "I HOPE TO BE HERE FOR LONG"

Pepe

UEFA has not punished Barcelona's pretences nor Busquets...

"It's sad that UEFA does not punish it. Everyone has seen what happened. The red was unfair, I did not touch on Alves. Messi had been unable to do anything, just a penalty goal and in the Spanish Cup final could not help his team. They found a way to lie me down and hinder our work. UEFA and some press, especially in Catalonia, has been interpreted differently. Mourinho was banned and everyone saw what Busquets told Marcelo ... If UEFA wants fair play has to weigh these things".

Have you talked to Marcelo?
"I talked to him, but I think the TV images are clear".

Which team do you support in the final of the Champions League?
"I support Manchester, for sure. I have some friends there as Anderson and Nani".

Are you angry about how the semifinal ended?
"Yes, I'm a little sad because what we did has not been appraised. We work very well, we were better than them ... Unfortunately, what we did in the field did not help us to pass the tie. We deserved to be in the final".

Your renewal is virtually closed...
"It is a matter between my agent and the club. I'm happy to be in Madrid with the best. I'm in the best club in the world and I hope to be here for long. I have only a one year contract, so it is closer".

Your figure has been reinforced after the Classics and the Real Madrid fans want to renew you...
"Me too. I want the renewal. I have no words to describe the desire I have to stay in Madrid. My agent is talking to the club so that when the time comes, we sign and give the new that is important to me".

Carvalho is veteran, but with you and Ramos, Real has central defenders for the next five years...
"I think so. I'm very good at playing with Sergio. In addition, we adapt well to each other. I think Real Madrid is fine with the power team has and not going to happen what happened in previous years".

Do you like the nickname of "Anti-Messi"? Is it a pride?
"I did not play for people to call me that. It's up to all teammates. Together we can get that Barcelona can not to play its game. When I was in the field, Messi did noy many things. I'm glad because it is a feeling of work well done".

You will be happy for your friends Crristiano and Marcelo... What season!
"Cristiano has secured the top scorer and Marcelo has done an exceptional season. It was said that he could not defend and has shown he has a great future. Soon he will be one of the best sides in the world".

Marcelo is in the shadow of Roberto Carlos. Do you think he has the capacity to be like R.Carlos?
"Yes, he is very young and already a captain of Real Madrid. Has a bright future and will pass all records of Roberto Carlos".

Has been Mourinho key to the growth of the team?
"Yes, Mourinho made ​​us believe and has brought a structure that is working. Not only with Marcelo, also with Benzema and Kaka. Next year we will be stronger".

In addition, it has already announced a reinforcement. What do you think about Sahin?
"He has great quality. He looks like Özil, with the difference that is more aggressive without the ball. He's a special player".

As the season has progressed, you have come to the level of Barcelona...
"I think so. We'll try to do our best. Next year Madrid will be there and fight to be champion of all competitions to play".

The first is the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona. Do you have desire for revenge?
"Yes, this may be the finding that we deserved to beat them and be in the Champions League final".

Pepe and Casquero will face again

Casquero and Pepe have not faced in a field since that Portuguese assaulted Getafe's midfielder for more than two years. It was the final part of the 2008-2009 season and Real Madrid was chasing Barcelona after a phenomenal streak of results. With the score 2-2 (Getafe had gone ahead twice), on 86 minutes, Casquero was hand in hand with Casillas and Pepe pushed him from behind. Delgado Ferreiro (the referee) said the penalty and the frustration seized Pepe, who kicked Casquero on the ground several times and then punched to Albin. Casquero missed the penalty and Madrid, incredibly, ended up winning the match with a goal by Higuain. Two games later, Barcelona visited the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and ruled the League with the famous 2-6.

Pepe and Casquero

That action cost him a ten-match ban. The Portuguese lost the last six games of that League and the first four of the next. The central defender showed remorse after the game but Angel Torres, Getafe president, called for exemplary punishment. The Competition Committee acted in accordance with the hardness of the action and imposed one of the highest penalties than a player in Spain has ever suffered.

Since that April 21, Real Madrid and Getafe have been faced on three occasions with three white wins. Last season, Real Madrid won 2-0 at the Bernabeu Stadium in a game in which Albiol was send-off. Pepe played the entire game and Casquero saw it from the bench. In the return game, the whites beat Getafe again, by 2-4, with Pepe still recovering from the severe injury he suffered at Mestalla. Casquero played 78 minutes and was replaced by Albin. In the first round match of this season, Real Madrid won 2-3 at the Coliseum. Pepe lost it again due to injury and Casquero played the final 25 minutes.

This time everything indicates they meet again. Pepe is indisputable for Mourinho who wants to make a good end of season to avoid messing the work done. Getafe, in the absence of the suspended Victor Sanchez, opens the door to Casquero who has played as starter great part of the season. Getafe will play for its live, just like two years ago. Real Madrid will play for a miracle and its image, what is something important. In any case, Pepe and Casquero always play seriously.

Pepe: "I have not renewed, but everything is on track"

Pepe, who is concentrated in Obidos with Portugal national team, confirmed yesterday that has not signed his new contract with Real Madrid (now ends in 2012): "I have not renewed, but everything is on track". As was said by people close to the club, the player would earn almost four million euros per season: "The situation is much better than two months ago. I have one year left on my contract and I want to prove myself. I talked with the board and we are very close to reach an agreement. I think I will continue, as was my desire".

Pepe's first day in white

After a year of talks, the renewal of Pepe reached an impasse in which none of the parties was willing to reach an agreement. Pepe did not understand that the club did not assess that he accepted a low salary by how expensive was the transfer Oporto-Real Madrid (30 million). He earns less than other players of lower rank. The club offered the defense, who currently is one of the players with the lowest salary of teamplate (1.8 million), raising his salary to 3.5 million. The player's agent made a first counteroffer of 5 million euros which was quickly rejected by Real Madrid

The Pepe's renewal for the Real Madrid was in dead point and that had made the big European teams were interested in him. Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal were interested in the Portuguese central defender.

He also commented the criticism he received after the match against Lyon for his toughness with Lisandro: "I never injured anyone. I dispute every ball with maximum intensity".

Sergio Ramos; Real Madrid player until 2017

Sergio Ramos and Real Madrid have virtually ended the contract renewal agreement of Seville defender which will join him at the white entity until 2017. It is estimated that the player will charge around four and a half million euros per season. Once announced the continuity of the Spanish international player, Pepe could be the next.

Sergio Ramos

Jose Mourinho agrees with the idea of the club and believes that Ramos must be one of the pillars on which to base the team's future. The substitution in Cornella (vs Espanyol), for some people a coach's punishment according to the supposed anarchy of the defender, was just a break. No hard feelings. It was demonstrated against Levante and Olympique Lyon, where he started on the right side.

Sergio Ramos arrived at Real Madrid in the summer of 2005, after paying 27 million euros. His performance has not gone unnoticed by big European clubs, some of them willing to shell out more money than white club paid to Sevilla.

The last to knock Real Madrid's door asking for Ramos have been Chelsea and Milan. Especially tempting was the offer of the Italian team. Milan offered Pato, one of its most important players. Both teams received the same answer: Sergio is already like a shield.

The renewal agreement has not been made official because the club is still looking for the right time. Once announced the continuation of Spanish, will be the turn of Pepe. In the club there is absolute confidence that the Portuguese will extend his contract. Sergio Ramos and Pepe will remain the team's defensive base for many years.

League (Day 23): Marcelo and Pepe reactions

MARCELO: "WE ARE ALL FIGHTING TOGHETER TO WIN"

Marcelo

Real have won a victory in a very difficult field. Do you imagine that it would be so difficult?

"We knew it would be very complicated but we did not hope an expulsion so soon. All played our hardest and we reverse the situation. It is a very important victory to keep fighting for the league."

Team demonstrated an extraordinary character to win a match that started badly for you ...
"This is a great family and we are all fighting together to win. Whenever we get the three points."

You scored your first goal this season. This puts team back in the fight for the League.
"I am delighted to score and can help the team. But more important was the victory and catching up to Barcelona."

With the effort you made to defeat Espanyol has become clear that Real Madrid is not physically ill, as some say ...
"People talk about what they want, but we work hard to get this win and so we will continue until the end of the season. We are very excited about these three points and to achieve a new victory."

PEPE: "WE FACED UP TO THE CHALLENGE"

Pepe

What adifficult game to play again!
"It is a reward to me to be in the starting eleven. It was a chance not to disappoint the coach. I've worked hard for this. I am very happy with the job I did today and with the efforts my team-mates made. Espanyol have very good players and it was hard for us to score. It was a tense and complicated game, so we are very happy with this victory."

What did you think when you saw the Barcelona match in Gijon?
"We faced up to the challenge. We are working to catch up with Barcelona. We still have to face them at home and, if we win, we will be closer to winning the title. If we continue to concentrate this hard, to showcase maturity and working this well, we will catch up with Barcelona."

Did Casillas touch Callejon in the play of the expulsion?
"The play is very fast. It is an interpretation of the referee and we are there to play. I do not know well, but the good thing is that we react."

Are you going to renew for Real Madrid?"I will not discuss this issue. At the moment I can only say I am happy in Madrid and people treat me very well. I will do everything possible to stay."

Valdano said after the game that your renewal is progressing well...
"Good to hear that (laughs). I have to do my work on the field."

Any offer of Barcelona?
"I am a Real player and it is a lack of respect for the people of Madrid. I'm happy at Madrid."

Transfer rumors: Pepe and Bale

Arsenal is willing to pay 30 million euros for Pepe

The Pepe's renewal for the Real Madrid is in dead point and this has made the big European teams were interested in him. Chelsea and Manchester City were interested in the Portuguese central defender. Now Arsenal has joined the bidding. According to British media, Wenger wants him for next season and so he has communicated to Arsenal's board which could reach 30 million euros offer (what Real Madrid paid for him to Porto in 2006). Pepe's contract ends in June 2012 and the white club does not accept his demands (requests 4 million per year and club offers 3.5). He now earns 1.8 million and is one that has the lowest salary in the team.

Pepe

Bale is placed closer to the Real Madrid

Although Redknapp, Tottenham coach, talked in the London Evening Standard about Gareth Bale: "We can not sell", in England does not see it . In fact, yesterday the British press claimed that the left-defense (21-year, contract ending in 2014) will end up at Real Madrid next season, pegged it at about 40 million euros. Mourinho likes a player to strengthen the left side which has only Marcelo. He wanted to bring him to Inter. "He's young, fast and high quality. Sure he could play for Madrid", said teammate Van der Vaart.

Gareth Bale

Pepe gets tired of waiting and assumes he will not renew

Mourinho has grown tired of repeating that: "Real Madrid needs to Pepe and Pepe needs at Real Madrid". However, the Portuguese coach's words seem to have fallen on deaf ears. According to Spanish newspapers, Madrid will not renew the contract of Pepe. The club does not accept his wage demands and he assumes he will leave Madrid in 2012, unless the club has a good deal next summer and decides to sell.

Pepe

After a year of talks, the renewal of Pepe has reached an impasse in which none of the parties is willing to reach an agreement. The club offered the defense, who currently is one of the players with the lowest salary of teamplate (1.8 million), raising his salary to 3.5 million. Pepe does not understand that the club does not assess that he accepted a low salary by how expensive the transfer (30 million) and earns less than other players of lower rank.

Before this offer, the player made a first counteroffer of 5 million euros which was quickly rejected by Real Madrid. A few weeks ago Jorge Mendes, Pepe's agent, reported that the defense lowered his claims to 4 million euros per season. In the latter approach by the player the difference between Madrid and what he wanted was only half a million euros. However, the club refused to increase its initial proposal. Thus, Portuguese defense assumes he will leave the team, although Mourinho continues to press: "With Pepe team played better".

Pepe thinks about Chelsea

Chelsea will make a summer offer for Real Madrid defender Pepe. Chelsea is aware of the 27-year-old’s current situation, and if Pepe has not renewed before the end of the season, the English Premier League club will try to recruit him.

Pepe is immersed in the process of renewal, but the efforts do not end up to get a good deal. The contract ends in 2012 and he initially had planned to fulfill his contract with Real Madrid. By knowing the interest of Chelsea to have his services for next season, the defense has decided to study the proposal.

The English club managed yesterday the signing of David Luiz from Benfica for 35 million euros. But for the next season, Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea, also wants to gain the services of Pepe.

Pepe was related to Barcelona few months ago, the main rival of the white team, although it seems like a strategy for the Portuguese player's managers. The defense player moved to the capital of Spain for a fee of €30m from Porto in 2007.

Pepe

Pepe, a month out with a tear in the soleus

Yesterday defeat against Levante in the second leg of the knockout Cup (2-0), has been expensive to Real Madrid. The club's medical services have been certified Pepe's injury today who divided up the 90 minutes of the game yesterday with Carvalho.

Pepe (Levante vs Real Madrid)

The magnetic resonance performed to the player in the hospital “Sanitas La Moraleja”, confirms that the central suffers a muscle tear grade II in the soleus muscle of the left leg. The estimated time of injury, will be four weeks, pending clinical outcome.

The first game he will miss will be the important league match against Villarreal,(third place) on Sunday. Nor will play, regardless of other league matches, in the Spanish Cup quarterfinals against Atlético.

It is a sensible low as Pepe has usually been the headline in the center of defense alongside his compatriot Ricardo Carvalho, but Raul Albiol, when he has played minutes, and even Sergio Ramos, when Jose Mourinho has used in that area, and Ezequiel Garay, have worked satisfactorily.