Lisbon, Jan 8 (IANS): Portugal's veteran defender Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira, best known as Pepe, returned to FC Porto, the Portuguese football side announced on Tuesday.

Pepe, 35, played for Porto between 2004-2007 where he gained fame for solid defensive play and the ability to score goals and then moved to La Liga giant Real Madrid for 10 seasons from 2007 to 2017, reports Efe news.

"Pepe is reinforcing FC Porto," the club said in a statement. "The centre-back has signed a contract valid for two and a half seasons until June 30, 2021."

The Portugal defender has returned to Porto on a free transfer after playing for Turkey's Besiktas from July 2017 to December 2018.

The veteran centre-back is expected to be a strong addition to Porto's defence, as the club currently leads the Portuguese Primeira Liga standings and is set to play in February and March against Italy's AS Roma in the UEFA Champions League last-16 round.

This new trade puts Pepe back into the same locker room with his friend and former Real Madrid teammate, Spanish goalkeeper minder Iker Casillas.