Portugal’s Pepe fit for Euro 2016 final

The Euro 2016 final will be played in the Stade de France, in Paris, on Sunday evening (3pm EST/USA).

However, the Real Madrid centre-back took part in the full session with the rest of Fernando Santos’ squad on Saturday in Marcoussis, and looks likely to be fit to play a part in the match with the hosts at Stade de France. Of course we have had some very tough times this year with tragic events but also with events which have gone on off the field, but we are even prouder to be on the pitch and really feel the entire French population is behind us and feel the happiness which is shared between the players and people.

Hosts France beat world champions Germany 2-0 on Thursday to reach the final.

Much attention will be focused on Cristiano Ronaldo in the build-up to the match, as the Real Madrid superstar aims to add a major worldwide honour to his stellar career and become the European Championship’s all-time record goalscorer.

“Yes, because I’m representing my people, my country. We want to write our names in history”, the 33-year-old defender said. “He’s a young player and to start like this in his first games in the national team, in a competition like the Euro, it’s exceptional to perform like this”.

If France win, it will be their first major tournament triumph since Euro 2000.

“I would like that”, Pepe said when asked if history could repeat itself. “We want to show Portugal we are at home; we want to show the French public we are ready to fight for ourselves but most of all them”. “That would be awesome but one thing has nothing to do with another”.

It is a far cry from the dark days endured just six years ago, when players went on strike in protest at the French Football Federation’s decision to send home Nicolas Anelka following a bust-up with coach Raymond Domenech.

Pepe has seemed on his best behaviour at Euro 2016, cutting out the hard fouls that helped make his reputation and the play-acting simulation that angered many watchers of the recent Champions League final.

A former electrician, Clattenburg became a professional referee in 2007.

“He’s one of the best in the world, if not the best”, said France right-back Bacary Sagna. “I hope everyone has an easy night and that they can work peacefully”.