Real Madrid defender Pepe this Thursday explained the work he is doing to recover from the knee injury that has ruined his season.

The Portuguese international damaged ligaments on his right knee playing away to Valencia on December 12. He needed an operation and is expected to miss the rest of the current season and probably this summer' s World Cup finals.

However, Pepe says he is doing everything possible to return to action before time.

"I am working very hard to be able to get back on the pitch and help my companions as soon as possible," he said on the official Real Madrid website.

"At the moment I feel good and I really want to recover well. I feel better with every passing day, that helps give me hope and keep my morale up and it also helps me know that things are going well," he added.

Pepe said he was grateful for all of the support he had received both from supporters and his teammates.

"That is the most important thing that I have had up to now. The people around me believe in me and have given me a lot of support. My companions tell me that they want me back as soon as possible."

"There will be moments when you feel sad, but all of the work is worth the effort," concluded the defender.