Following his retirement announcement from football, Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, expressed his heartfelt sentiments towards his longtime teammate, Pepe.
Pepe decided to hang up his boots at the age of 41, marking the end of his career after their defeat to France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
At the tournament, Pepe became the oldest player to participate in a European Championship, showcasing his enduring commitment to the sport.
With 141 caps for Portugal, Pepe solidified his legacy as one of the top players for the national team, trailing only behind Ronaldo (211) and João Moutinho (146) in appearances.
In a touching message, Ronaldo expressed his deep appreciation for Pepe, stating, “No amount of words can truly capture the significance you hold in my life, my friend.” He emphasized the importance of their friendship and mutual respect, portraying Pepe as a unique and integral figure in his life.
Pepe’s tenure also included a successful stint at Real Madrid, where he spent a decade, with eight years being shared alongside Ronaldo. Together, they achieved numerous accolades, including three LaLiga titles, three UEFA Champions League triumphs, and two FIFA Club World Cups.