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Pepe Says Real Madrid Supporters Fail to 'Transmit Enthusiasm' to Players

Former Real Madrid defender Pepe has criticised the club's supporters, suggesting they do not "transmit enthusiasm to the players."

The centre-back left the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer to join Besiktas after a remarkable 10-year spell in the Spanish capital in which he won the UEFA Champions League on three occasions. But Pepe feels those who represent Los Blancos would benefit from more backing.

"Besiktas fans are very passionate, and when I am on the field, I am always taken back by the noise from the stands," he told Turkish media, per Ozgur Sancar of AS.