Pepe made a late decision to sign for Besiktas over Paris Saint-Germain despite having previously agreed a deal with the French capital outfit, a source close to the Ligue 1 club has revealed to ESPN FC.
PSG sporting director Antero Henrique thought he had tied up a deal for the Portugal international at the end of last week but Besiktas made their move over the weekend and ultimately offered Pepe closer to what he wanted.
According to the source, the former Real Madrid and FC Porto man desired a guaranteed two-year contract and assurances that he would play a regular starting role wherever he chose to go upon leaving Santiago Bernabeu.
Initially, Pepe agreed to a one-year deal with an option for another in Paris after PSG had examined his troublesome knee but that was in more of a mentor role with no guarantee of a regular starting role in coach Unai Emery's starting XI.
With captain Thiago Silva, Marquinhos -- who recently extended his contract until 2022 -- and Presnel Kimpembe already members of the Spaniard's squad, Henrique was unable to promise that the 34-year-old would start ahead of at least two of those players.
Pepe reluctantly agreed but was not totally satisfied with the deal and still had international duty in Russia with the Confederations Cup third-placed playoff to take care of before he could pen his new contract. The source revealed that is when Besiktas seized upon their opportunity.
By offering Pepe a solid two-year contract, a guaranteed starting role and a competitive salary, the Turkish giants were able to persuade him to choose them over PSG.
Besiktas have since revealed that Pepe's two-year contract at Vodafone Park is worth approximately €9.5 million plus a bonus of €4,000 for every match that he plays.
The three-time UEFA Champions League winner confirmed in a quote on Besiktas' Twitter feed that he had an offer from France, as well as other from England and Italy but ultimately chose the Black Eagles.