Former Real Madrid defender turns down Paris Saint-Germain for Besiktas

Besiktas have announced they have beaten Paris Saint-Germain to the signing of Pepe after he was released by Real Madrid at the end of last month.

Pepe, 34, was widely expected to join PSG this summer after it became clear Madrid had no intention of renewing his contract at the club.

However, the Portugal international, who helped his country secure a third place finish at the Confederations Cup this summer, has instead put pen to paper on a reported three-year deal with the Turkish giants.

Besiktas has already sold Rhodolfo and are widely expected to lose Marcelo this summer, so Pepe will arrive as a more than capable replacement as they seek to defend their league title for the third season in a row.

Since August 2009 only five players have completed more passes in their own half of the pitch than Pepe (4732).

For more stats on Pepe, click here to visit his WhoScored player page