Back in Madrid last weekend, where he was named an honorary member of the Peña Ramón Mendoza, Pepe shared his thoughts on Carlo Ancelotti’s team, particularly players like Raúl Asencio. A former central defender by trade, the Portuguese was visibly enthusiastic.
Retired since last summer after Euro 2024 with Portugal, Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira, better known as Pepe, is making the most of his free time by attending prestigious events. After a 23-year professional career, including ten seasons at Real Madrid (2007-2017, 334 matches, 15 goals), the defender, renowned for his aggressive challenges and combative style on the pitch, is looking to venture into new activities. While he considers his next steps, he continues to accept invitations from Madridistas for honorary events such as last Saturday’s ceremony, where he was named an honorary member of the Peña Ramón Mendoza.
Pepe’s insights
During this luncheon, Pepe took a moment to speak with the newspaper AS. Like most former Real Madrid players, the 42-year-old Portuguese reaffirmed his deep connection to the club. “I have always felt this affection. From the very first day, when I started in 2007, until today. Everywhere I went, even in other countries, people always had kind words for me. I am grateful to the club for the moments it gave me as a footballer. And now, after retirement, I still feel like a member of this great club,” he initially stated.
When asked about the current form of Carlo Ancelotti’s team, which has not been shining brightly, Pepe believes that everything is still possible in the race for silverware as the season draws to a close. “The team is doing well, still alive on all three fronts. Madrid will always fight until the last minute in all three competitions.” As a former central defender who made his mark at the club, the Maceió-born player could not avoid the question about the latest sensation at Madrid: Raúl Asencio.
Pepe praises Raúl Asencio’s incredible desire
Full of praise for the 22-year-old, Pepe pointed out that he possesses a huge drive that will bring a lot to the Madrid squad. “Asencio? He is a highly motivated young player. He has great determination and a lot of quality. He will contribute significantly, as he already is, to Real Madrid’s pursuit of titles.” According to the former Portuguese international, the idea of coming out of retirement to lend a hand to a team struggling with defensive issues this season never even crossed his mind.
“Did I ever consider returning at some point this season to help with defensive problems? No, no. Real Madrid is a team that always finds a way in difficult moments. Now, Asencio has emerged, and it has been beneficial for us, for the team, for the club, and also for the Spanish national team. He is doing a great job,” calmly stated the legendary former partner of Sergio Ramos.
It must be said that Raúl Asencio consistently displays an incredible level of desire every time he steps onto the pitch. While other defenders, perhaps exhausted by the relentless schedule, occasionally lose focus, the young Las Palmas native impresses every time he plays. With his speed and composure, he fiercely shuts down attackers and provides much-needed defensive solidity to Los Blancos. It is precisely for these reasons that Florentino Pérez has upgraded his status to a key squad member with a substantial salary. As the season nears its decisive stage, he will undoubtedly be a crucial asset in the big matches ahead.
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