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In hindsight, Pepe's eventual downfall started with his fallout with Mourinho. He publicly stood up for Iker Casillas, calling out the coach for his treatment of the club captain. Mourinho dismissed it as jealousy on account of being ousted by Varane, but there was more to it. Like any other Real Madrid fan, he couldn't endure the sight of the living legend being treated with such derision.
Over the years, Real Madrid fans changed their chant from "Pepe, kill him!" to "Pepe, score a goal!" After the reckless expeditions of his youth, Pepe evolved into one of the leaders in the team. When he considered departure in 2013, Ancelotti dissuaded him. Ancelotti said then, "He gives us confidence, personality and he helps the other players; he is very important for them." He stayed and helped his team to their La Decima one year later.
