Pepe insists there's no rift between himself and Real Madrid teammate Ricardo Carvalho.
Carvalho quit the Portugal squad last week in part due to differences with how coach Paulo Bento was preferring Pepe.
"Many people envy Real Madrid," Pepe told the club's TV channel. "I have no problem with Carvalho. This was a situation that happened with the coach.
"He is a great person, a friend of mine and he has made great things in football. He is a role model. We have to respect that."
Pepe stressed there are no problems on the team and said he believes the club can push for glory.
"There is a very good atmosphere," Pepe noted. "We have a very good squad. Madrid are the biggest and we have the best team. This is a very good side who will fight for all the titles.
"We are showing after every match that we are doing well and I have a very good feeling. Never before have I had bigger hopes than this year.
"We are doing very well, we are training well and we are like a family. If something happens, we always have a friend to help us and that is very important in a club."
