Pepe, the iconic Portuguese defender, has announced his retirement from professional soccer at the age of 41.
The veteran player made the announcement on Instagram, expressing gratitude with a simple caption, “OBRIGADO,” meaning “THANK YOU” in Portuguese.
Pepe’s illustrious career spanned 23 years, during which he played for clubs like Maritimo, Porto, Real Madrid, and Besiktas. He became the oldest player in men’s European Championship history this summer, capping off a career filled with numerous accolades, including three Champions League titles and a 2016 European Championship with Portugal.
His 141 appearances for the Portuguese national team rank him among the most capped players in international soccer history.
