Former Real Madrid and Portugal defender, Pepe has announced his retirement from football, ending one of the most highly decorated careers of recent times.
The 41 years old became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals this summer, and his last match was Portugal’s penalty shootout defeat by France in the quarter-finals.
READ MORE: Arsenal Winger Pepe Joins Nice On Loan
He made 141 appearances for his country – only Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho have more Portugal caps, while he also played for Porto, Besiktas and Maritimo.
An emotional Pepe thanked those who have helped him throughout his career in a 33-minute video posted online, external on Thursday.
He won Euro 2016 with Portugal and also helped to secure three Champions League and three La Liga titles during his 10-year spell in Madrid.
In a post, via his Instagram page, Pepe said: “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. 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.
“We won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the biggest triumph is the friendship and the respect I have for you. You’re unique, my brother.
“Thank you for so much.”
