MADRID - Real madrid defender Pepe has released an official statement indicating that he was not trying to intentionally injure the Barcelona striker Lionel Messi.
In the first leg match in Copa del Rey quarter-finals which took place at the Santiago Bernabeu, ended with the victory of the Blaugrana 1-2, an incident which invite the attention of many parties. Pepe's first camera caught accidentally rammed his foot to Messi, who was dropped after sliding Jose Callejon.
Then, the Portugal international was still not satisfied and stepped on the hand that made Messi's Argentina international players moaning in pain. The referee did not see the incident.
"With regard to the incident involving Leo Messi, it was unintentional actions. But even still, if Messi offended, I apologize because I only intend to defend my team," said Pepe in the club's official website as reported by Goal, Friday (20 / 1 / 2012).