Real Madrid defender Pepe has stood by his claim that Barcelona players acted "theatrically" in trying to win free-kicks during Sunday's 2-2 draw.
Pepe, no stranger to controversy himself, claimed after the match the Barca players went down easily, comments that angered Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta.
"If a player speaks about you and your team-mates like this, you feel offended," Iniesta told Onda Cero..
"I'm not theatrical in any way, and neither are the other guys. These comments hurt because they are a personal attack."
But Pepe was unmoved as he spoke at a Portugal press conference before the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Russia and Northern Ireland.
"If someone is offended it is because the truth hurts," Pepe said. "I just said what really happened in the game."
Pepe's involvement against Russia in Moscow on Friday is uncertain due to a leg injury which saw him miss two days of training before returning on Wednesday.
"We'll see how it goes (on Thursday)," Pepe said. "If everything is progressing well, I hope to play."
Click here for a completely free £10 football bet with Sky Bet
Post Comment
