Pepe Could Choose Portugal

Real Madrid defender Pepe could declare himself eligible to be called up by Luiz Felipe Scolari after qualifying for a Portuguese passport.

The Brazilian born 24-year-old is set to become a European citizen and is considering playing for the country where he spent six years before moving to the Bernabéu.

Pepe qualified for the new passport after completing his sixth-year on the continent in July and is set to turn his back on his native Brazil.

If he does opt to represent his adopted nation then he will follow FC Barcelona star Deco who went down the same path to gain international recognition.

Having been born in Maceió in Brazil, Pepe rose through the ranks at Corinthians Alagoano before heading to Portugal to join Maritimo.

After three years at the Estádio dos Barreiros, he joined Porto for €1m and three players; Tonel, Evaldo and Antonielton Ferreira.

Earlier this summer Real Madrid paid €30m to secure his services, despite the fact that he has never been called up by Brazil.