FC Porto, Real Madrid and Portugal legend Pepe has announced his retirement from football at the fine age of 41 years old.
Bringing an end to an illustrious career, Pepe thanked the people who have been with him through his career in a heartfelt video.
“I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to perform my work. To all the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, who are the soul and essence of the clubs and the national team,” he said.
The 2016 European Championship winner added, “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.”
Pepe retires as Portugal’s third most capped player behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho. He also made 334 appearances for Real Madrid.
At Los Blancos, the defender, who is infamous for his disciplinary record, won the La Liga title three times and the UEFA Champions League three times as well.