Pepe caught Porto’s eye in 2021 for his performances at Grêmio, where he emerged as a promising winger. The Brazilian managed to settle in well in Portugal, but not exactly in the way he imagined it. Coach Sérgio Conceição gradually moved him back on the pitch, eventually transforming him in a full-back.
He plays an instrumental role in the Portuguese giants, having played all 55 games for the Dragons this season. In an interview with Globo, the 26-year-old clarified his primary position is still winger but is enjoying this new role, which has given him more visibility for international football.
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Pepe open to playing for Italy if Brazil don’t show up
Pepe, born in Foz do Iguaçu on February 24, 1997, didn’t hide his dream of playing for the Brazilian national team. However, he knows that opportunity may never come, and since his eligible for Italy, he is also open to wearing the Azzurra uniform.
He played for the youth Brazilian teams, but making it to the senior squad is always more difficult. He’s still young, so if he keeps up with this great level, it wouldn’t be strange to see him on the international stage. After all, a player who can perform in different positions is always great to have.
