Quotes from Pepe

In the end hard work pays off.

When I got here with Real Madrid, the truth is they responded very well. I know that the people like me, they love me, they have a lot of warmth for me. I'm enchanted for that warmth and love they've shown.

The supporters are always right, but we need our supporters behind us.

Football is a collective sport.

Playing collectively will boost our chances of winning.

We, Portuguese, make this country very big.

I've played against Griezmann several times in Spain. He's not very tall but he's very adept at figuring out where the ball will be.

I have always done everything to defend my goal.

I give my body and soul to defend this club and for all the fans who come to see us. I have never thought about leaving. I really like being at Madrid, the fans like me and I like them.

Porto improve every single player because this is a very demanding club.

Every minute I spend near Ancelotti I am breathing in football. He likes to really be immersed in football. As a former player and as a coach who knows our needs, it is a privilege to work with him and share time with him because he teaches us a lot.

When I do play I try to be the best to help my teammates.

Madrid will always be a priority for me.

It's a privilege for us, Portugal, to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo.

If I wasn't a footballer, I definitely would have been a chauffer because that is my father's profession and he's a person I aspire to and admire. I wanted to follow in his footsteps as a man.

I think my style of play would be appreciated in England, but as Spanish football is more technical, rather than box-to-box like in English football, my physical style is highlighted much more.

We're professionals, we have to deal with criticism. We get talked about a lot but we have to focus on doing our job well.

Carlos Tevez is a quality player. He fights for every loose ball. He loves retrieving it. He's a fighter on the pitch.

I'm a person who fought for what I have.

As I always say, the fundamental thing in football is to defend as well as attack. And to attack well means that the forwards must first help to defend. That's where the work begins.

Little by little I want to become more free and start going forward but I know that the first thing I have to do is defend.

Everyone knows what my qualities are and what I can do for the team.

I think I get a raw deal from referees. But as a professional footballer I have to accept it, and that's what I do.

I am very proud of my years spent at this club, giving it my heart and soul. I finished my time at Real Madrid giving it all I had.