Real Madrid player Pepe has given the official statement that indicates he did not try to injure Barcelona ace Lionel Messi in his team’s 2-1 loss in Copa del Rey first-leg quarter-final clash held on Wednesday.

The defender’s performance has raised a controversy when he was seen standing on hand of the Barcelona striker.

But, the 28 years old defender has confirmed via the official website of Madrid  there was nothing malice in that incident. He expressed his views on the incident suggesting he had no intention to hurt anybody. He felt his sole purpose was to defend for his team.

Pepe remarked, “With regard to the play involving Leo Messi, it was an involuntary act. But even still, if Messi is offended, I apologise as I was only intending on defending my team.”

He added, “I give myself body and soul [in matches] and it never goes through my head to hurt a colleague.”

These two players will again face each other when the two rival sides meet at Nou Camp next Wednesday to take part in the second leg clash.