Former Real Madrid defender Pepe has criticised the La Liga side’s fans and says current club Besiktas possess more enthusiastic supporters.

The Portugal defender enjoyed mass success with the Spanish giants before leaving in the summer to end a decade-long spell in Spain’s capital.

The 34-year-old was at the heart of a defensive unit which helped guide Madrid to three La Liga titles, three Champions League triumphs and two Club World Cup crowns.

However, the veteran centre-back says there is no comparison between the fervent support of Besiktas and Madrid.

“Perhaps Real Madrid fans won’t like me saying this but they say Real Madrid fans transmit enthusiasm, but I don’t think they do. That’s not the reality,” the Portugal international told beIN Sports.

“The Besiktas fans are very passionate. When you go out onto the pitch the noise coming from the stands always hits you.”

He added: “The atmosphere at Besiktas is very different to at Real Madrid. In Turkey people really love sport, they only think about football.

“After games, we can hear the noise of the supporters until the early hours of the morning.”