Portuguese football legend Pepe has officially announced his retirement from professional football, sending waves through the football community. The iconic defender, who has had a stellar career spanning multiple top clubs and the Portuguese national team, shared an emotional message thanking those who have supported him throughout his journey.
In a heartfelt video released on Thursday, Pepe expressed his gratitude:
“I want to thank God for granting me the wisdom to continue this incredible journey. My deepest thanks go to all the presidents who believed in me, the employees at every club I’ve played for—who are truly the soul and essence of the sport—and the national team. To all my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete daily, and to the fans, who are the heartbeat of football.
“I owe so much to Jorge Mendes, GestiFute, and especially my mother, whose support allowed me to chase my dream of becoming a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, and most importantly, my wife—who has been my rock during my absences. And my children, who believed in me and were my constant source of support, allowing me to play with a clear conscience.
“I would like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart. A big thank you and a heartfelt hug to you all. Thank you very much.”
Following Pepe’s announcement, Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s greatest, took to Instagram to share an emotional tribute to his long-time friend and teammate.
In his post, Ronaldo wrote, “No words can express how much you mean to me, my 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 one of a kind, my brother. Thank you for so much.”