Pepe slams critics, says Neymar has more cards than him
Real Madrid defender Pepe has a reputation of being slightly ill-disciplined, however, he has hit back at his critics claiming that Barcelona star Neymar has more cards than him.
The La Liga season is nearing its end and with just three games to go, Real Madrid’s Pepe has 5 yellow cards while Neymar has 6.
Speaking to French magazine Surface, Pepe was keen to stress this fact.
"People can say what they want but Neymar has more [yellow] cards than me," he said.
"Real is an exemplary club and if I were as crazy as they say, I would never have had the chance to play for a club like Real for so many years."
Real Madrid will be hoping Pepe maintains his cool against Manchester City when they face off in the Champions League.
Zidane not taking Manchester City lightly
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane expects a tough Champions League semi-final football clash with Manchester City.
Manchester City was considered to be the most accessible of the three possible rivals Madrid could face with the other semi pairing of Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich. Zidane's side have been favoured for having the second leg at their home ground, the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, reports Xinhua.
It is the sixth consecutive time that Madrid have had the return leg at home, but Zidane didn't want to speak about the luck of the draw.
"It is a semi-final and it will be a very very difficult game. The only positive thing about it is that we have the return in the Bernabeu," he said, brushing aside words from Manchester City sporting director, Txiki Beguristein that Madrid were favourites to reach the final.
"Everyone will say we are favourites, but we know how hard City are and we will prepare our best to face them," he said.
Manchester City will be without their midfield general Yaya Toure while Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are expected to be fit for tonight’s match.