Portuguese Legend Pepe Bids Farewell to Football

Portuguese defender Pepe, aged 41, has officially retired from football. He played his final match at Euro 2024, making him the oldest participant in a European Championship finals. Throughout his illustrious career, Pepe made 141 appearances for Portugal, won several titles with Real Madrid, and concluded his career with Porto.

Portuguese defender Pepe, aged 41, announced his retirement from football on Thursday.

His final appearance came during Euro 2024, where Portugal faced a heart-wrenching defeat to France in the quarter-finals. Pepe became the oldest player ever to participate in a European Championship finals. In an emotional video shared on social media, Pepe expressed gratitude towards God, club presidents, and everyone who supported him: 'I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey,' he said.

Pepe earned 141 caps for Portugal, capturing the Euro 2016 title, and enjoyed a successful decade at Real Madrid, where he won three LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies. He later returned to Porto, where he ended his career, securing four Primeira Liga titles during his tenure.

(With inputs from agencies.)