 The Canary Islands side returned to the top level in 1954, and he continued to be first-choice until his departure to Real Betis six years later, as Las Palmas were again relegated.Pepín played five years in Andalusia, only managing to start in two seasons, and returned to his previous club, retiring in 1967 at the age of 35; in 14 seasons in the top level, he appeared in 259 matches.Pepín died in the Doctor Negrín Hospital in Las Palmas on 12 October 2010, one month shy of his 79th birthday.