Real Madrid defender Pepe has defended his on-field behaviour.

The Portugal international again angered Spanish Liga fans last season with an apparent stamp on Barcelona star Lionel Messi during one El Clasico showdown.

"In Spain, everything I do has an impact. I have never intended to injure my opponent," insisted Pepe, who also spoke of Real teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He is the star, but we can not put all the responsibility on him. He is one player, he has experience, knows how to play big games and will do so in the best way."