Pepe Blasts 'Unenthusiastic' Real Madrid Fans in Comparison to Playing in Turkey

Portuguese Euro winner and former Real Madrid centre back Pepe has recently gone on a shocking rant about his former side, describing their fans as unenthusiastic, while rubbishing the atmosphere at the Bernabeu compared to his new home in Turkey.

The 34-year-old enjoyed a successful career in the Spanish capital, spanning 10 years between 2007 and 2017, during which he helped Los Blancos to three La Liga titles, three Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups.

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However, now plying his trade in Turkey with Besiktas, the often controversial centre back has fired several shots at his former side, who are struggling this season after an exceptional campaign last time out. With frustrations evident through constant booing of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and their all time record goalscorer, Cristiano Ronaldo, tensions are high at the Bernabeu.

As reported by beIN Sports, Pepe criticised this hostile atmosphere, and believes Madrid fans show a lack of passion and enthusiasm.

"Perhaps Real Madrid fans won't like me saying this but they say Real Madrid fans transmit enthusiasm, but I don't think they do. That's not the reality.

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"The Besiktas fans are very passionate. When you go out onto the pitch the noise coming from the stands always hits you.

"The atmosphere at Besiktas is very different to at Real Madrid. In Turkey people really love sport, they only think about football.

"After games, we can hear the noise of the supporters until the early hours of the morning."

This isn't the first time Pepe has spoken out about his time at Real Madrid, with a press conference prior to the Champions League clash with Porto earlier in the season. 

"What sadness? I have made it clear that my time at Real Madrid has finished, this is a new stage in my career. I picked Besiktas to continue being happy playing football. Real Madrid is part of my past, I was happy there, the same as at Porto and Marítimo."

Pepe and Besiktas are five points adrift of Turkish league leader Galatasaray, while Pepe's former team Real Madrid have experienced a torrid start to the season, currently sitting eight points behind Barcelona in third.