Pepe proclaims his retirement solely a month after turning into the oldest European Championship footballer with Portugal.
Portugal legend Pepe has retired from soccer, the 41-year-old former Actual Madrid defender stated on Thursday.
Pepe’s final sport got here at Euro 2024, the place Portugal were defeated by France on penalties in the quarterfinals, and he turned the oldest participant to look at a European Championship finals match.
“I need to thank God for giving me the knowledge to have the ability to proceed my journey,” an emotional Pepe stated in a video on social media that seemed again on his profession.
“I can’t assist but additionally thank all of the presidents who wager and believed in me to have the ability to carry out my work. To all the staff of all of the golf equipment I’ve been to, who’re the soul and essence of the golf equipment and the nationwide group.
“And I need to thank everybody within the background. I need 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, profitable the Euros in 2016, and spent 10 seasons at Actual Madrid, the place he gained three LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies, in addition to two FIFA Membership World Cups.
Pepe joined the Spanish aspect in 2007 from Porto, and returned to the Portuguese membership in 2019, remaining till the tip of his profession and profitable 4 Primeira Liga titles throughout his two spells on the membership.
