Madrid pick up Pepe from Porto
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Article summary
Bernd Schuster's reign as Real Madrid CF coach is firmly under way after the club agreed a reported €30m transfer for FC Porto central defender Pepe.
Article body
Bernd Schuster's reign as Real Madrid CF coach is firmly under way after the club agreed a reported €30m transfer for FC Porto central defender Pepe.
Five-year contract
The 24-year-old Brazilian moves to the Santiago Bernabéu on a five-year contract after helping the Portuguese side win back-to-back league titles. Pepe moved to Porto from CS Marítimo in summer 2004 after three successful seasons with the Madeira club he joined from third division SC Corinthians Alagoano in his homeland. Pepe made a total of 64 league appearances for Porto, scoring six goals.
Metzelder signing
Renowned for his pace, tackling and attacking play, Pepe becomes the second new defensive recruit for Madrid after the club landed German international Christoph Metzelder on a free transfer from BV Borussia Dortmund. In a statement, Porto said: "The club have reached an agreement in principle with Real Madrid CF regarding the sale of Pepe for €30m. The deal will be concluded as soon as the player conclude a medical." Schuster was appointed Madrid coach yesterday. Both Madrid and Porto will play in the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League group stage as domestic champions.
