Pepe broadcasts his retirement solely a month after changing into the oldest European Championship footballer with Portugal.
Portugal legend Pepe has retired from soccer, the 41-year-old former Actual Madrid defender mentioned on Thursday.
Pepe’s final recreation got here at Euro 2024, the place Portugal were defeated by France on penalties in the quarterfinals, and he grew to become the oldest participant to seem at a European Championship finals match.
“I wish to thank God for giving me the knowledge to have the ability to proceed my journey,” an emotional Pepe mentioned in a video on social media that regarded again on his profession.
“I can’t assist but in addition thank all of the presidents who guess and believed in me to have the ability to carry out my work. To all the workers of all of the golf equipment I’ve been to, who’re the soul and essence of the golf equipment and the nationwide crew.
“And I wish to thank everybody within the background. I wish to depart a thanks and a hug of gratitude for all of you. And thanks all very a lot.”
Pepe made 141 appearances for his nation, successful the Euros in 2016, and spent 10 seasons at Actual Madrid, the place he received three LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies, in addition to two FIFA Membership World Cups.
Pepe joined the Spanish facet in 2007 from Porto, and returned to the Portuguese membership in 2019, remaining till the tip of his profession and successful 4 Primeira Liga titles throughout his two spells on the membership.