‘Pepe is a great guy’ – Chelsea striker reveals Real Madrid legend is misunderstood
Alvaro Morata joined Chelsea on a high profile move from Real Madrid over the summer.
The Spanish international already has three goals in five appearances this season.
Morata revealed in his latest interview with Adam Crafton for the Daily Mail that he developed his skills playing against and training with some of the finest defenders around.
The 24-year-old was regularly tested agaisnt the likes Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Pepe.
“You have to be clever. I’m not worried — at Juve I trained against Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci every day. [Playing against Chiellini as akin to going] into a cage with a hungry gorilla and trying to take his food. Kick, kick, kick!,” Morata said.
“Pepe is a great guy — he didn’t kick me as much. I think the Italians saw this handsome kid coming from Madrid, where it is a bit softer, and it was a good education. They were great mentors.”
Pepe had an illustrious career at Real Madrid winning three Champions League, three La Liga, two Copa Del Rey titles as well as the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
The Portuguese international won Euro 2016 last summer and has numerous titles with Porto.
The experienced defender joined Besiktas on a free transfer this summer.
Pepe has already made history at Besiktas as he was part of the side that beat Porto away on Champions League Match Day 1 – the first Turkish side to ever beat Porto in European competition.