Pepe: Besiktas unveil former Real Madrid defender
The Portuguese centre-back told a press conference: "I spent 10 wonderful years at Real Madrid - I really loved Real and their fans."
Defender Pepe has been unveiled by Besiktas, having joined the Turkish champions on a two-year deal following the expiry of his Real Madrid contract.
"I spent 10 wonderful years at Real Madrid"
Appearing at a press conference on Wednesday alongside Besiktas president Fikret Orman, the 34-year-old looked back over his decade at the Bernabéu, and discussed his new challenge in the Süper Lig.
"I spent 10 wonderful years at Real Madrid," Pepe explained. "My children were born in Madrid. We won three Champions Leagues and three LaLiga titles. I really loved Real and their fans.
"I've also been blown away by the affection I've received from the Besiktas fans. Besiktas really wanted to sign me and for all these reasons I'm sitting here today. I'm going to give my all to help my new team to achieve success."
Asked about his reputation for having a combative style of play, the Portugal international said: "Something happened in a match against Getafe [in 2009, when he was sent off for assaulting Javier Casquero] and I was banned for 10 games.
"Since then, I've been labelled as a player who's aggressive towards his opponents. I'm [just] someone who relishes one-on-ones out on the pitch, and who does everything to defend his goal."
Pepe: Quaresma a factor in Besiktas switch
Pepe, who has also played for Marítimo and Porto, added that Portugal colleague and current Besiktas winger Ricardo Quaresma played a major role in persuading him to move to the Istanbul-based club.