Real Madrid Defender opened up in honest interview

Pepe sat down to reflect on a season that started off poorly but ended with the conquest of the ultimate trophy: 'La Undecima.'

The Portuguese defender attempted to explain the reasons behind both his personal and team resurgence, and about how the strength of Madrid comes from the fans.

Looking back with MARCA on the emotions he unleashed at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, Pepe was philosophical and contemplative.

What was the feeling within the team once 'La Undecima' celebrations ended?

"We added a little grain to the history of this club.

"Those of us whove been here a long time know what the expectations are when we wear this jersey.

"We knew how important it was to win [this Champions League] and we played as a well-oiled machine in order to achieve our goal.

"It was going to be an extremely difficult final because Atletico Madrid are a strong side but fortunately we prevailed in the penalty shootout.

"Teamwork is their main strength, but we overcame that with mental toughness."

At what point did the squad know the season was going to be a success or a failure based on the Champions League outcome?

"We must break the season down in different stages.

"Atletico and Barcelona had a head start on us in La Liga because we didnt start well, but we never gave up the domestic title.

"Fighting for the league trophy until the very end no matter how large the point deficit, was what drove us to reach the Champions League decider.

"Due to the reason we all know [Denis Cheryshev playing against Cadiz] we lost our chances in the Copa del Rey, but we knew that if we kept giving our best effort in La Liga we'd keep our momentum for the European competition.

"Not only that, but we kept La Liga race alive until the last fixture after Barcelona and Atleti dropped points.

"The team has worked so hard to bring the Champions League title home.

"Despite our early season pitfalls, we kept fighting, kept sacrificing, we gave it all.

"It all added up to end the campaign on a high note."

Why didn't the team click with [coach] Rafa Benitez?

"Im always sincere with my words and I must say I really liked the way he worked.

"Benitez is a great professional, has good coaching methods...but was unlucky.

"Luck is needed in order to be successful regardless of the amount of work you put in.

"Rafa was honest with me - I was not a part of his ideal starting defence, but I asked him to give me a chance to prove myself.

"When Zidane came on board, he held a meeting with the captains (Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Cristiano Ronaldo and I) and he distributed a list of responsibilities among us.

"He told us we needed to lead our teammates so we could reach the Champions League final through the weekly effort required to compete in La Liga."

Both collectively and personally, you proved yourselves under Zidane.

"The key moment that boosted my confidence was when the club announced my contract extension.

"I was told I was the third choice centre-back but I requested an opportunity to compete in equal conditions, because I was sure I could take advantage of it.

"Ive dealt with difficulties throughout my entire career.

"Nobody knew who I was when I arrived from Porto and here I am, a 10-year veteran in Madrid, which is easier to say than to do.

"This season has indeed been a vindication story for me.

"Work pays off: I won two Champions League titles and made history in Madrid, which is the most important feat."

How can Madrid transform a mediocre season into a great one?

"Madrids strength lies on our fans.

"Being booed at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu is a struggle, but you realise the clubs greatness.

"A player must reflect on his performance and keep pushing to the limit so those boos become cheers.

"We have a demanding home crowd but they also have great respect to our opponents, as they praised Atletico after the final.

"This is the greatest club in the world thanks to its fans.

"They enjoy the good times and hold their players to a high standard of play."

[Former Getafe player Javier] Casquero, the dramas against Barcelona back in the day, the troubles with [ex-coach Jose] Mourinho...do two Champions League titles compensate that?

"Absolutely.

"The most important thing to me is that our fans recognise my hard work every time I wear a Madrid jersey.

"We all make mistakes and I never denied my behaviour with Casquero.

"Thankfully, it has never happened again, otherwise Id know I should not be representing Madrids colours.

"I apologised and became a better player; I assumed I was under the microscope and started committing less fouls.

"I never ceased giving my best and our people value that."

Two Champions League in the Messi Era...

"We won almost consecutively and the fans will value such feat as time goes by.

"Madrid is a huge brand worldwide, it imposes a lot of respect for its titles, for its values and for what it represents, without diminishing other teams.

"Madrid is a special club."

What are those values you mention?

"Madrid taught me to not give up, that is the main lesson Ive learned here.

"If you work hard enough good things will come your way.

Lets go back to the final, when you shed endless tears during the penalty shootout.

"Thats hard to explain.

"I started crying when Lucas Vazquez calmly scored his kick with extreme confidence.

"I got emotional and I felt we were not going to lose.

"It all started when Sergio [Ramos] told us we were going to use the goal in front of our fans for the shootout.

"I only cried when it was our turn to shoot.

"I cant understand it, even after talking to my wife and family and its the first time I cried on a football pitch.

"I would have still kicked my own penalty if it was necessary because Im always down to help.

"When we win, we all win."

Is this the most exciting title of your career?

"I had a great run on our first Champions League.

"Sergio [Ramos] and I competed at a supreme level against Bayern and to reach the final was a dream come true, but unfortunately I fell injured and was not at 100 per cent.

"I was honest with [ex-coach Carlo] Ancelotti the day before the final.

"I said I felt good but I didnt want to be a burden on the team.

"Had I started I would probably have been substituted off after 20 or 30 minutes, so I told the coach not to feature me."

You're 33 years old and still have a season left on your contract so what are your expectations for the future?

"I hope the next season is not the last in Madrid colours.

"I take care of myself in order to stay here as long as possible.

"I want my performances to convince the club to extend me a year more, or two [laughs].

"Madrid will always be a priority for me.

"If at seasons end Im told they no longer count on me, Ill pack my things and leave, but Madrid will always be my first choice."