Ronaldo and Pepe while at Real Madrid, won 3 LaLiga titles, three Champions League trophies and 2 FIFA Club World Cups
By Kehinde Okeowo
Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime teammate, Pepe, who announced his retirement from football on Thursday.
Pepe, who hanged up his boots at the age of 41, played his last game at Euro 2024, where his team lost to France on penalties in the quarter-finals.
His participation at the tournament saw him become the oldest player to feature at a European Championship.
Pepe, who made 141 appearances for Portugal, while announcing his retirement via a video shared on Instagram said: “I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey.
“I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet on me and believed in me. All the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, they are the soul and essence.
“And of the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. All the fans, who are the soul of football.
“To Jorge Mendes, to GestiFute, to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream, which was to be a professional footballer.
“To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence.
“My children for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, for supporting me when I left home to play. They were the support I needed to be able to go with a clear conscience.
“I would like to thank everyone, give them a big thank you and a big hug of gratitude. Thank you all very much.”
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Reacting to the news of his retirement via his X page, Ronaldo who spent eight years at Real Madrid with Pepe called him a “friend and brother”.
He went to say they won silverwares together at country and club levels.
Speaking via his verified social media handle, Ronaldo tweeted: “There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me, friend.
“We won everything there was to win on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you. You are unique, my brother. Thank you so much.”
Ronaldo and Pepe while at Real Madrid, won three LaLiga titles, three Champions League trophies and 2 FIFA Club World Cups.