Portugal defender Pepe introduced on Thursday he was hanging up his boots on the age of 41.
The final recreation of the Brazilian-born middle again’s profession was for Portugal in its penalty-shootout loss to France within the European Championship quarterfinals final month. He was in tears after the sport.
He turned the oldest participant to look at a European Championship finals event.
Pepe introduced his retirement on social media.
“I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey,” an emotional Pepe stated in a video on social media that regarded again on his profession.
“I can not assist but additionally 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 group.
“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. And thank you all very much.”
‘One of the best’
Although born in Brazil, the center-back made his worldwide debut for his adopted nation of Portugal in 2007 and went on to assist them win their first piece of main silverware at Euro 2016, in addition to the Nations League three years later.
Pepe made 141 appearances for Portugal, solely behind Cristiano Ronaldo (211) and Joao Moutinho (146).
He joined Portuguese aspect Maritimo on the age of 18 and went on to play for Porto, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Turkish membership Beşiktaş.
In his membership profession, he received three Champions League titles and three Spanish league titles with Real Madrid between 2007-17. He additionally received two FIFA Club World Cups.
His final membership was Porto, the place he loved two stints, between 2004-2007 and 2019-2024, successful a complete of 4 Portuguese championships and 5 Portuguese Cups.
“A career and a legacy that will always be an example for any Porto fan,” the Portuguese membership stated on social media platform X.
“There are only two possible words: Congratulations and thank you.”
The veteran performed 878 matches in all and received a formidable 34 trophies.
Portuguese soccer federation president Fernando Gomes labeled the defender “one of the greatest players of all time” and thanked him for his “extraordinary professionalism, dedication… and passion for football.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com