Portugal centre-back Pepe has revealed that he is enjoying playing in front of a passionate crowd at Besiktas.

The experienced defender joined Besiktas last summer after leaving Real Madrid following the expiration of his contract.

Pepe has outlined the difference between the Besiktas and Madrid supporters, with the 34-year-old revealing that his current team can "feel the noise and atmosphere from the stands".

"The fans here are hugely passionate and every game you feel the noise and atmosphere from the stands," Diario AS quotes Pepe as saying.

"It's very different to my time at Real Madrid... the enthusiasm is not the same and the reality is the atmosphere is very different – the Madrid fans might not want to hear that."

Pepe made 334 appearances for Madrid - winning three La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns - before leaving to join Besiktas at the end of last season.