Portuguese defender Pepe, has announced his retirement from professional football at 41. In an emotional YouTube video, Pepe expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his 23-year career.
He said: “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 my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. All the fans, who are the soul of football.”
“To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream.”
“To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence. My children for believing in me… Thank you all very much.”
Pepe’s career was marked by numerous accolades, including a LaLiga title and a UEFA Champions League title with Real Madrid.
He was also a key player in Portugal’s Euro 2016 winning squad. Pepe earned 141 caps for Portugal, with his final appearance coming in the quarter-final defeat to France at Euro 2024.
