Former Real Madrid defender Pepe joins Besiktas on free transfer

Portugal international Pepe has completed his move to Besiktas on a free transfer following protracted talks with the Turkish giants.

The 34-year-old departed Real Madrid at the end of last season after a decade-long stint with the club, having fallen down the defensive pecking order under Zinedine Zidane.

Pepe reportedly had a choice between Besiktas and Paris Saint-Germain, but the offer of a three-year deal at Vodafone Park was enough to sway his decision.

Across his 334 appearances for Madrid, Pepe won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey crowns and three Champions Leagues.

The Portuguese will join the likes of Ryan Babel and Demba Ba at Besiktas, who finished last season top of the Lig 1 pile.