Real Madrid defender Pepe is excited about returning to the Bernabeu this weekend for the first time since suffering a serious knee injury last season.

Real host Osasuna tomorrow night.

"I feel fine and anxious to step onto the pitch and help the team," said Pepe. "I can't wait to play at the Bernabeu again. It is very important to me.

"I can't express my gratitude [to the fans] with words. I think the best I can do to repay them is to do my job on the pitch and help Real Madrid. By helping the club I help each and every one of them.

"I can show them I feel fine and that I'm capable of doing my job. I wish to thank them for all their support."

Pepe added, "We always try to win, but it isn't possible all the time. It is our duty to do a good job and fight to the end to take three points. That's what we'll do."