Portugal defender Pepe confirms retirement at the age of 41
Pepe became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals this summer
Portugal defender Pepe has announced his retirement from football, bringing an end to one of the most illustrious careers in recent history.
The 41-year-old became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals this summer, with his final match being Portugal’s penalty shootout defeat to France in the quarter-finals.
A former Real Madrid centre-back, Pepe earned 141 caps for Portugal – surpassed only by Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho.
His club career also included stints with Porto, Besiktas, and Maritimo.
In a heartfelt 33-minute video posted online on Thursday, Pepe expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career.
Pepe’s trophy haul includes winning Euro 2016 with Portugal, as well as securing three Champions League titles and three La Liga titles during his decade-long tenure at Real Madrid.
Pepe said: “I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to perform my work.
“To all the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, who are the soul and essence of the clubs and the national team.
“And I want to thank everyone in the background.
“I want to leave a thank-you and a hug of gratitude for all of you.”
Pepe became the Champions League’s oldest goalscorer last year when he scored for Porto against Antwerp in the group stages.
Throughout his career, Pepe made 334 appearances for Real Madrid, a period during which the club was Europe’s dominant side.
His disciplinary record was also notable, as he accumulated a significant number of red cards over his career.
Former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo expressed that there are “no words to express” what Pepe means to him.
In a post on Instagram, he added: “We won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the biggest triumph is the friendship and the respect I have for you.
“You’re unique, my brother.
“Thank you for so much.”
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