Pepe (Portugal defender after exiting against France on penalties): “I won’t repeat what I said to Cristiano Ronaldo after the game, but we are very sad. Contrary to what many people think, we are very affected. We are disappointed that we didn’t win this game, and that we are out of such an important tournament, knowing that we have the potential to go further.
“I gave back everything Portugal gave me, and the best way to do that was on the pitch, doing what I love most, and giving happiness to the Portuguese.
I won't talk about my future today. I'll have time to talk about that. I've already spoken to my teammates. We have to be able to get over this huge disappointment, this huge sadness that we all feel today (Friday).
“I have to thank the Portuguese fans. From the first day, when I got my citizenship, I said I would give everything I had. I gave back everything Portugal gave me, and the best way to do that was on the pitch, doing what I love most, what I value most, which is to give happiness to the Portuguese. And I think they know that, when I see the applause they gave me during the Euros. Whatever my level, I will always give my best for Portugal.”
