Real Madrid icon Pepe talks Ancelotti, Modric, Ronaldo, Mbappe, UCL chances – ‘They will fight until…’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid defender Pepe has opened up about the deep affection he continues to receive from the club’s fans, even years after his departure.

The Portuguese centre-back, who played for Los Blancos between 2007 and 2017, won 15 major titles, including three Champions League trophies. His legacy at the club remains intact, and he cherishes the connection he still has with Madridistas.

“How wonderful it is to feel all this affection from Real Madrid fans! I have always felt that support from the first day I arrived in 2007 until today.

“Even in other countries, people have always had kind words for me. I am grateful to Real Madrid for the moments it gave me as a footballer, and now, after retirement, I still feel part of this great club,” he told MARCA.

Thoughts on current Real Madrid squad

When asked about the current Real Madrid squad under Carlo Ancelotti, Pepe was full of praise, emphasising the team’s competitiveness in all competitions.

Pepe feels the current Real Madrid squad is doing a good job. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

“The team is doing well. They are still alive on all three fronts, and Madrid will always fight until the last minute for every trophy.”

Regarding young centre-back Raul Asencio, Pepe expressed confidence in his potential: “He’s a kid with a lot of grit, desire, and quality. He will contribute a lot, as he is already doing, to help Madrid win titles.”

Champions League prediction

As for this season’s Champions League, the Madrid legend remained confident in the club’s ability to perform under pressure:

“It’s a new Champions League, but Madrid can never be counted out. They will fight until the last minute. The most important thing is that the team reaches this stage of the year still competing on all three fronts.”

Pepe, who played at an elite level until the age of 41, also commented on veterans like Luka Modric and Cristiano Ronaldo still performing at a high level.

“(Smiles) There are exceptions. Modric is still incredible, handling all the pressure at Madrid. The club and the coach play a huge role in that.

“And Cristiano, who has given so much to football, remains at a high level as well,” he said.

Picking a favourite

Pep is impressed with Mbappe.\ (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

When asked which current Madrid player he would have liked to share a dressing room with, Pepe gave a diplomatic answer before admitting admiration for Kylian Mbappé:

“I think all of them—they are all very good.

“I’ve played against Mbappe, and he’s not only a great player but also a great person. Few people know what he’s really like off the pitch.

“But honestly, if I could, I’d just choose to keep playing for Madrid myself (laughs),” he noted.