Pepe Reveals Cristiano Ronaldo’s Selfless Offer to Keep Him at Real Madrid
Former Real Madrid defender Pepe has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo once offered him a portion of his salary to convince him to stay at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Despite Ronaldo’s generous gesture, Pepe left Madrid in 2017 for non-financial reasons, choosing to sign for Besiktas as a free agent.
The two Portuguese legends shared a special bond, having played together for Sporting CP’s academy, before reuniting at Real Madrid in 2009, and later representing Portugal’s national team for over a decade.
Pepe, who formed a formidable defensive duo with Sergio Ramos, reportedly earned £110,000 per week at Madrid, while Ronaldo was on a staggering £365,000 weekly wage.
Recalling Ronaldo’s selfless offer, Pepe revealed in an interview with Renascenca (via GOAL):
“I tried to explain to him that I could no longer be there because of the difficulties I was having at the time, and he said: ‘If it’s about the money, mate, I’ll give up my money to give it to you!’ And I said no: ‘Thank God it’s not about that; it’s for other reasons.’”
“I also wanted to get back to feeling football, and that’s it, I decided to go to Turkey.”
A Testament to Ronaldo’s Loyalty and Leadership
Ronaldo’s offer is another example of his leadership, loyalty, and deep friendships in football. While the Portuguese superstar is often in the spotlight for his record-breaking goals and relentless drive, this moment highlights his human side—one willing to sacrifice for his teammates.
It also reflects the brotherhood between Pepe and Ronaldo, which extended beyond club football into their national team journey, culminating in winning Euro 2016 and the 2019 UEFA Nations League for Portugal.
Pepe’s Decision: Beyond Money, a Search for Passion
Pepe’s departure wasn’t about money but rather a desire to rediscover his passion for football. At Besiktas, he got the playing time and experience he was seeking, proving that sometimes, a fresh challenge is more valuable than a lucrative contract.
Looking back, did Pepe make the right decision? While he left behind one of the most dominant Real Madrid sides in history, he continued playing at a high level, even extending his career into Euro 2024 before retiring.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo remains active and continues to defy age at Al Nassr and the Portugal national team.
Final Thought: A Lesson in Football Loyalty
Pepe’s story is a reminder that football is more than just contracts and salaries—it’s about friendships, passion, and personal choices. Ronaldo’s willingness to share his wealth and Pepe’s insistence on following his heart are both admirable in their own ways.
What do you think? 💭 Should Pepe have stayed at Madrid, or was moving the right choice? ⚽🔥
