Pepe hints at Real exit

Portuguese defender Pepe has hinted that he could leave Real Madrid before the transfer window closes.

The experienced defender lost the place in the starting line-up last season and has in turn been linked with a summer move away from Santiago Bernabeu.

Los Blancos have yet to receive an offer for his services, but the player himself has refused to rule out a summer exit.

“I’m a professional,” Pepe told reporters in Los Angeles. “They left a lot of things at the end of last season but I have a contract to fulfill.

“I’m talking to the president of Madrid and my representatives to see what will happen.”

Pepe began his professional career in Portugal, spending three years at Maritimo before joining FC Porto in the summer of 2004.

It was at Estadio do Dragao that he made a name for himself, scoring 6 goals in 64 league appearances for the Dragons.

In the summer of 2007, Pepe joined Real Madrid in a €30 million move, and has since two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey and two Spanish Super Cup trophies with los Blancos.

The 30-year-old is still considered by many to be one of world’s best central defenders and he should have no shortage of offers should he decide to leave Santiago Bernabeu.