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Portugal’s iconic defender Pepe has officially retired from football at the age of 41, bringing to a close one of the most decorated careers in recent football history. Pepe’s retirement was announced just months after he became the oldest player to appear at the European Championship finals, marking the end of his illustrious journey with Portugal in their quarter-final penalty shootout defeat against France.
Pepe’s career is a testament to longevity and excellence. The former Real Madrid center-back earned 141 caps for Portugal, ranking him third in appearances for his country, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo and João Moutinho. Throughout his career, Pepe showcased his defensive prowess for clubs like Porto, Besiktas, and Marítimo, leaving a lasting legacy wherever he played.
In an emotional 33-minute video posted online, Pepe expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career. “I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to perform my work,” Pepe said. “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’s career is highlighted by his achievements on the international stage and with Real Madrid. He was a key figure in Portugal’s historic Euro 2016 victory and played a vital role in Real Madrid’s dominance in Europe, winning three Champions League titles and three La Liga championships during his decade-long tenure at the club.
Even in the twilight of his career, Pepe continued to make history, becoming the Champions League’s oldest goalscorer last year when he found the net for Porto against Antwerp in the group stages.
However, Pepe’s career was not without controversy, as he was known for his fiery temperament and received a significant number of red cards throughout his playing days. Despite this, his contributions on the pitch earned him respect and admiration from teammates and opponents alike.
Former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo paid a heartfelt tribute to Pepe on Instagram, writing, “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.”
As Pepe hangs up his boots, the football world bids farewell to a player who not only achieved greatness but also left an indelible mark on the sport. His legacy will be remembered by fans and players for generations to come.
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