Pepe predicts Ronaldo Real Madrid arrival

(GETTY IMAGES)

Real Madrid defender Pepe has no doubts that he will soon be a team-mate of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Manchester United star was linked with a switch to Real last summer but Pepe believes it will not be long before the two Portugal internationals are starring for the same club side.

He told AS: "I expect to be able to play with Cristiano at Madrid some day and I expect it to be soon.

"It is he who must decide. He has to choose Madrid, that is for sure, and I think that the Real Madrid executives want him.

"I hope that things go well. Cristiano already clarified his desire to come to Madrid, and it could not be, so we must hope."

Valencia midfielder Joaquin hopes his club form can earn him a recall to the Spain squad for next week's friendly international against England.

The former Real Betis star has been in the international wilderness for the last 15 months but has produced some good displays for Los Che so far this season.

He told Marca: "At the time when I was taken out of the Spain team, I was in a good run of form and the coach counted on me. The truth is that I do not understand the motives for leaving me out.

"If I return, I would be speechless and it would be special, but I am relaxed and I try not to think about it.

"I will give a kiss to my wife and my daughter because they are the first to suffer the bad with me and also the good.

"Now is a new time and it is difficult to come in because there is a lot of quality, but the hope and desire are never lost.

"Everyone wants to beat Spain, not just because they are champions of Europe, but because they are a good team."

Meanwhile, Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o has revealed his intention to finish his career back at former club Real Mallorca.

The Cameroon international spent five seasons at San Moix before joining Barcelona in 2004 and is hoping to return to the Balearic club before he hangs up his boots.

Speaking before the two sides meet in a Copa del Rey semi-final on Thursday, he said: "I would like to spend a year or two at Mallorca before I finish my playing career, regardless of which division the team will be in.

"Hopefully, it will be in the top-flight.

"I hope that they can overcome their current poor run of results and improve their league position."