Veteran defender Pepe has announced his retirement from football, closing a remarkable chapter that included a notable stint at Euro 2024 with Portugal.
The 41-year-old’s decision comes after leading his national team to a quarter-final exit against France, where he earned his 141st cap.
READ ALSO: Latest Football Transfer Rumours – August 2024
In an emotional 33-minute YouTube video, Pepe reflected on his career, saying, “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey. I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet on me and believed in me. All the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, they are the soul and essence. And of the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. All the fans, who are the soul of football.”
He continued, “To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream, which was to be a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence. My children for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, for supporting me when I left home to play.”
Pepe’s career began at Maritimo’s academy and saw him make a significant impact at Porto before a high-profile move to Real Madrid in 2007. At Madrid, he spent a decade, amassing 334 appearances and securing three La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies.
Portuguese Football Federation president Fernando Gomes praised Pepe’s dedication, stating, “At the end of his football career, Pepe leaves us with an example of professionalism, dedication, and, above all, an enormous passion for football and the National Team.”
Gomes added, “Pepe is an example of extraordinary professionalism. I remember well how he participated in the Euro 2016 final, or how he played with a broken arm in the match against Morocco in the World Cup in Qatar, and how he performed, at 41 years old, with the same passion, dedication, and pride at Euro 2024.”
With Pepe’s retirement, attention naturally shifts to other football icons. Cristiano Ronaldo, another legendary figure in Portuguese football, may now find himself under similar scrutiny as speculation about his future mounts.
