Due to my concern over Pepe’s World Cup injuries, I couldn’t sleep.

The seasoned Portuguese defender Pepe said on Thursday that he had trouble sleeping the night before the World Cup because he was afraid he may get hurt and have to miss it.

On Monday, the 39-year-old started for the first time in over two months in the 2-0 victory against Uruguay, becoming the third-oldest outfield player to appear at a World Cup.

Early in October, Pepe strained his knee. On November 12, Pepe returned for his club Porto in their penultimate game before the World Cup as a substitute.

A day before his team’s last Group H encounter against South Korea, Pepe said in a news conference, “When I got the injury, I couldn’t sleep to be honest.”

“I couldn’t sleep because I wanted to get well quickly so I could play in another World Cup, support my country’s team, and win.

“The trip thus appeared to last a long time, but it is now ended.

I must look forward with the intention of doing all in my power to achieve a victory.

Although Portugal has already advanced to the round of 16, they can secure first place with a victory or a tie against South Korea on Friday.

Danilo Pereira, who began the first game at center defense with Ruben Dias, injured three ribs during practice, but Pepe filled in and put on a fantastic performance to defeat Uruguay.