“I have enjoyed this title as if it were my first!”, assured Pepe after lifting the Taça, the Portuguese Cup, this Sunday, in which his Porto defeated Braga (0-2). The central and captain of the dragons, at 40 years old, he celebrated his 30th title on a dream trajectory. And what has almost as much merit, continues to be key in the defense of Porto, the undisputed starter and one of the highlights of a season with three titles (Cup, League Cup and Super Cup). In fact, although siren songs also came from Arabia, he decided to renew until 2024.
Because the defense is in a great moment. He has received several individual awards (best defense in the Portuguese league in April) and is happy in his second spell at Porto. “It is gratifying to be part of this group and this club. This group works hard and honors this shield very much. It has been a very positive season, with three titles out of four possible”, he valued in full celebration.
His track record is tremendous. With Porto he added two Leagues, one Cup, two Portuguese Super Cups and one Intercontinental in his first stage, in which he shone as one of the best central defenders in the world. What led him to Real Madrid and to continue embellishing his history: two Champions, three Leagues, two Cups, two European Super Cups, two Club World Cups and two Spanish Super Cups. In his second stage as a ‘dragon’ he has continued to win: two Leagues, two Cups, two Super Cups and one League Cup.
A player who also has 113 caps, in which he has won a Eurocup and a League of Nations. Pinto da Costa, president of Porto, defines it wonderfully: “Pepe? I think he will play another five or six years. He is a monster, a competitive animal”. “He is the best player and the most professional I have ever trained”, highlights coach Sergio Conceiçao of his captain. A Pepe with legendary numbers and still wanting to keep expanding it.