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Pepe slams Zinedine Zidane as he confirms Real Madrid exit and claims Premier League clubs are interested in signing him

Veteran defender claims he didn't say goodbye to French boss as he prepares for new adventure

PEPE has confirmed he is leaving Real Madrid - and aimed a parting shot at Zinedine Zidane in the process.

The veteran defender claims he has received interest from Premier League sides, with Paris Saint-Germain also in the hunt.

 Pepe lifted the European Cup but was not named in Zinedine Zidane's squad
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Pepe lifted the European Cup but was not named in Zinedine Zidane's squadCredit: Getty Images

He was not even named on the bench for the Champions League final - and hinted he was angered by his treatment this season.


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Pepe, 34, told Spanish radio station Cope: "I don't want to blame anyone.

"What Zidane has done with Real Madrid is spectacular, but there are things I don't understand.

"I didn't say goodbye to Zidane because Zidane and Real Madrid knew I was going before I did."

Pepe fell behind Raphael Varane - who started against Juventus in Cardiff - and Nacho in the pecking order, with Sergio Ramos the No1 centre-back.

He is out of contract this summer and added: "It is clear that I will not continue at Real Madrid.

"One stage is over and, from now on, another one will start. There are more offers, also from England."

 Pepe will leave Real Madrid this summer after his contract expires
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Pepe will leave Real Madrid this summer after his contract expiresCredit: Getty Images
 Zindedine Zidane and his Real Madrid team won the Champions League and La Liga
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Zindedine Zidane and his Real Madrid team won the Champions League and La LigaCredit: Getty Images

Despite his struggles this season, Pepe will leave the Bernabeu as a legend after a trophy-laden decade in the Spanish capital.

He also won Euro 2016 with Portugal in 2016 and has earned 82 caps for his country.

 

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