Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Martinez and Porto have paid emotional tribute to Pepe after the legendary defender announced his retirement.
Real Madrid and Portugal legend Pepe announced his retirement on Thursday after a 23-year career. The defender made 742 appearances for four different clubs, including Porto, Real Madrid and Besiktas, and earned 141 caps for the national team. His last appearance for the Selecao came against France in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
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As the veteran decided to hang up his boots, his former Real Madrid and Portugal colleague Ronaldo took to Instagram to pay him a heartfelt tribute: “There are no words to express what you mean to me, my friend. We have won everything there is to win on the pitch, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you. You are one of a kind, my brother. Thank you for everything.”
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez and Porto also joined the Al-Nassr forward in paying tribute to the 41-year-old. Martinez shared his message on a YouTube video published by the Portuguese Football Federation: “Dear Pepe, today is a very special day for you and your family, but also for Portuguese football. I want to send you my best wishes. I will divide my message into two points. First of all, congratulations. Congratulations on your career, a career full of success, full of good times and good memories that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
“Secondly, thank you. Thank you for what you have done for the national team, for what you have done in your fifth European Championship, which is undoubtedly an example. You have left a legacy for future generations of Portugal. Congratulations and thank you. May this be the beginning of a new stage full of happiness in your life, with your family.”
The Dragons, from their Instagram page, wrote: “A career and a legacy that will always be an example for any Porto fan. There are only two possible words: congratulations and thank you.”
