Portugal defender Pepe has introduced his retirement from soccer, ending probably the most extremely adorned careers of current instances.
Pepe, 41, grew to become the oldest participant to look at a European Championship finals this summer season, and his final match was Portugal’s penalty shootout defeat by France within the quarter-finals.
The previous Actual Madrid centre-back made 141 appearances for his nation – solely Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho have extra Portugal caps – whereas he additionally performed for Porto, Besiktas and Maritimo.
An emotional Pepe thanked those that have helped him all through his profession in a 33-minute video posted online, external on Thursday.
He gained Euro 2016 with Portugal and in addition helped to safe three Champions League and three La Liga titles throughout his 10-year spell in Madrid.
Pepe mentioned: “I am unable to assist however 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 have been to, who’re the soul and essence of the golf equipment and the nationwide group. And I need to thank everybody within the background. I need to go away a thank-you and a hug of gratitude for all of you.”
