MADRID, AP:

Real Madrid said defender Pepe has agreed to extend his contract until the end of the 2016-17 season.

The Spanish club made the announcement yesterday, four days after it renewed fellow defender Sergio Ramos' contract through 2020.

Pepe, 32, has helped Madrid win the Champions League and two Spanish league titles in eight seasons.

Madrid start the league season at promoted Sporting Gijon tomorrow.