Portugal's Pepe proclaims himself fit for EURO 2016 last versus France

SAINT DENIS, France (AP) Portugal safeguard Pepe is fit and prepared for another duel with France's top forward Antoine Griezmann on the European Championship last on Sunday.

"I feel incredible. I'm completely fit and can be played," Pepe said at a news gathering on Saturday at the Stade de France. 

The extreme Real Madrid shield sat out a 2-0 win in the elimination rounds against Wales due to a thigh muscle damage. 

The choice paid off for mentor Fernando Santos not to hazard his guarded pioneer against a Welsh assault that did not have the choices France has. 

Griezmann is the clearest peril to Portugal, with his six-objective count at Euro 2016 twofold that of any player, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who has three. 

Pepe and Ronaldo as of now showed signs of improvement of Griezmann in a noteworthy last six weeks back, when their Real Madrid group beat city rival Atletico in the Champions League last. Ronaldo scored the unequivocal punishment in a shootout after a 1-1 draw, and Griezmann missed a spot-kick when Atletico trailed 1-0 in the second half. 

"I've played against Griezmann a few times in Spain," Pepe said through an interpreter. "He's not exceptionally tall, but rather he's great at making sense of where the ball may be. It's vital not to concentrate on one player, but rather France as a group." 

In spite of the fact that Pepe has two Champions League titles with Madrid, he recognized that Sunday's amusement is the most imperative of his profession. 

"Yes, since I'm speaking to my kin, my nation. We need to compose our names ever," the 33-year-old protector said. 

Portugal appeared to be far from the last when neglecting to win a gathering stage amusement, and trailed three times against Hungary before rescuing a third straight draw. 

Santos then started selecting Southampton safeguards Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares, leaving Pepe to lead a reshaped line that helped Portugal win firmly challenged knockout amusements against Croatia and Poland. 

This rough, hard-to-beat style reviews Greece's amazement raced to win Euro 2004 and beat the all the more assaulting host Portuguese group in the last. Presently Portugal is in a turned around part against a more colorful French side. 

"I might want that," Pepe said when inquired as to whether history could rehash itself. "That would astound yet one thing has nothing to do with another. Twelve years have passed by and tomorrow is an entirely unexpected thing." 

Pepe has appeared on his best conduct at Euro 2016, removing the hard fouls that made his notoriety and the play-acting reenactment that infuriated numerous watchers of the late Champions League last. 

The ref that May night in Milan, Mark Clattenburg of England, will have the shriek again on Sunday. 

"I think this ref might be among the best a few officials on the planet," Pepe said. "It's acknowledgment of his work and his quality as an expert arbitrator. I trust everybody has a simple night and that they can work calmly."