Pepe – who is currently sidelined by injury anyway – looks set to leave Real Madrid when his contract expires as the end of the season.
However, Zinedine Zidane has dismissed rumours linking Pepe with an exit from the club in January. The 33 year old has been linked with a move to the Chinese Super League as well as rumoured interest from Manchester United.
Questioned about a potential departure this month Zidane made it clear he doesn’t care what speculation might suggest! The defender remains central to his plans so he’ll remain at the Santiago Bernabeu until the end of the season at least.
The coach was quoted by ESPN – also dismissing talks of James and Alvaro Morata leaving the club – as saying.
‘Pepe? He’s our player and an important one. He’s made history at this club for the past 10 years and I want him to stay with us. I’m not interested in what’s being said but what he’s going to do with us from now until the end of the season.’
Having made well over 300 appearances for Real since his arrival from Porto in 2007 – winning the Champions League and La Liga title twice – Pepe’s time at the Bernabeu does appear to be drawing to a close.
Pepe is now free to agree a pre-contract with another club with the Express reporting Man United are looking to secure a deal with the defender that would enable him to work with his former Real coach Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.
However, Premier League rivals Tottenham have also been credited with an interest.
