Portuguese international Pepe, 41, announced on Thursday that he was ending his career in a video posted on social media.
“I would like to thank everyone” Pepe said in a video he posted on his Instagram account, listing the clubs he played for, the lineup and even his family.
“Everyone gave me the support I needed to leave with a clear conscience.” The central defender, who is saying goodbye after participating in Euro 2024 and after the end of his contract with Porto, confirmed.
Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira, his real name, was born in Brazil and arrived in Portugal at the age of 18, starting his professional career at Marítimo de Madeira.
After his first spell at Porto (2004-2007), he played for ten years at Real Madrid.
After a season and a half with Besiktas, he returned to Porto in January 2019.
With 141 caps and 8 goals, Pepe made history for the team he played for for 17 years.
He is the third most capped player in the history of the squad, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (212) and Joao Moutinho (146), according to local media.
During his career, the Portuguese-Brazilian defender, who won the Euro 2016, participated in a total of nine World Cup and European Championship final stages, according to the Portuguese Football Federation.
“Pepe is an example of extraordinary professionalism, dedication and great passion for football,” he added. FPF President Fernando Gomez, who thanks “One of the best players in history.”
“Congratulations on your successful career.” and “The legacy he left for future generations”“Written by national team coach Roberto Martinez.
The Euro 2016 winner against France played his last match on July 5 in Hamburg, losing to the Blues (0-0, 5 shots on target to 3), in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
