‘Monster’ Pepe, 39, could play for five more years, says Porto president as new deal for Portugal World Cup ace pondered

PORTO’S president believes that Portuguese legend Pepe can play on for “another five years” - despite nearly turning 40.

The veteran defender once again impressed on the global stage after starring for his country at the World Cup over recent weeks.

And the warrior even played with a BROKEN ARM in the quarter-final loss to Morocco.

The Real Madrid icon is now preparing for a return to club action with Porto while he waits to discover how long, if at all, he will be on the sidelines for.

Pepe will enter his forties on February 26 and many were expecting his World Cup exploits to be one of the last times we see him on the biggest stage.

However, those at Porto appear to believe that he will be around for a whole lot longer yet.

And the club’s head honcho is adamant that he could continue playing until he is 45!

Pinto da Costa made the surprise statement after being asked whether the ex-Besiktas ace would be getting a contract renewal at the end of the campaign.

And he said: “Renewal of Pepe? I think he will play another five or six years.

“It is a monster, a competitive animal.”

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Pepe has made 93 top-flight appearances for Porto since his return to the club in 2019.

And he has continued to be very much involved this term prior to the World Cup break.

The ace has played ten times already for the Portuguese giants, including in the Champions League.