Shanghai Daily | 上海日报 -- English Window to China News

CONCERNED with the safety of his relatives, Portugal defender Pepe is glad he doesn't get a lot of attention in his native Brazil even though he is already a star in Europe.

Pepe was born in Brazil but moved to play European football early in his career, eventually joining Real Madrid and earning a spot in Portugal's national team which is at the European Championship.

In Brazil, the 25-year-old Pepe remains unknown to most, and is hoping it stays that way.

"In a way, it's good to be known here and not in Brazil," he said as Portugal prepares for the Euro 2008 quarterfinals. "I have family there and we all know how crime is over there."

Several relatives of high-profile players have been kidnapped in Brazil in recent years, including the sister of Zaragoza striker Ricardo Oliveira and the mother of Real Madrid forward Robinho.

"Our safety comes first and I really value that," Pepe said.

The defender has said all along that he is proud of playing for Portugal, and that the Brazilian national team is not even on his mind. When asked what he thought of Brazil's 0-2 loss to Paraguay in World Cup qualifying on Sunday, he didn't have much to say.

"To be honest, I didn't even see the match," Pepe said. "It has no meaning to me. I'm doing fine where I am, I'm treated nicely and I'm happy. I'm only sad because I have friends who play in the national team and I want the best for them."

The defender was one of the three regular starters not rested by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari in Portugal's 0-2 loss to Switzerland on Sunday in Basel. The game had no implications because Portugal had already secured first place in Group A and the Swiss had no chance of advancing.

Pepe scored a goal in the team's 2-0 opening win against Turkey and was chosen as the man of the match.

Pepe moved to Portuguese football at age 18 after playing for small clubs in Brazil. He only gained notoriety in Europe after signing with Maritimo in 2001, eventually joining FC Porto and helping the team win the 2004 Champions League and World Club Championship.

"I'm happy with the choice that I made," he said.

"The Portuguese showed confidence in me and I feel I can give back to them."

Pepe still cares about Brazil, though. "My parents live there, this was just an option I made to come play for Portugal. It's not that I don't have feelings for Brazil, let's not go there."