Lisboa. Portuguese international defender Pepe, 41, announced on Thursday that he is ending his career as a professional footballer in a video posted on social media.
“I would like to thank everyone,” the Portuguese player said in a video posted on his Instagram account, listing the clubs he played for, the national team and his family.
“Everyone gave me the support I needed to leave with a clear conscience,” added the central defender who says goodbye after participating in Euro 2024 and ending his contract with Porto.
Born in Brazil, he arrived in Portugal at the age of 18; Képler Laveran Lima Ferreira, his real name, began his professional career at Marítimo de Madeira.
After his first season at Porto (2004-2007), he spent ten years at Real Madrid (2007-2017), where he won three Spanish championships and three European Champions Leagues.
After a season and a half at Turkish side Besiktas, he returned to Porto in January 2019.
The Portuguese defender has 141 caps and is the third player with the most caps for the national team behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho.
Pepe won Euro 2016 and the Nations League in 2019 with Portugal.
“Now that he has retired, we must say out loud, thank you Pepe,” the Portuguese Football Federation said.
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– 2024-08-10 22:48:46
