“I would like to thank everyone“Pepe announced in a video posted on his Instagram account, in which he specifically listed the clubs he played for, the squad and even his family.
“Everyone gave me the support I needed. to leave with a clear conscience“, confirmed the central defender who says goodbye after participating in Euro 2024 and after the end of his contract with Porto.
Born in Brazil, he arrived in Portugal at the age of eighteen.Kepler Laveran Lima Ferreira, his real name, started his 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.His career is an example.“Porto club confirmed.
With 141 caps and 8 goals, Pepe The history of the Selecao is distinguished He played with them for 17 years. He is the third most capped player in the history of the squad, behind Cristiano Ronaldo (212) and Joao Moutinho (146), as confirmed by the Portuguese Football League in a press release.
– Ronaldo's tribute –
During his career, he played 895 matches.The Portugal-Brazil defender, who won Euro 2016, has participated in a total of nine World Cup and European Championship final stages, according to the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF).
“baby He is an example of extraordinary professionalism.“Dedication” and “great passion for football,” stressed the president of the federation, Fernando Gomez, who thanked “one of the best players in history.”
“Congratulations on your career. “Full of success” and “the legacy he left for future generations,” wrote national team coach Roberto Martinez.
The player, Who won Euro 2016 against France?He played his last match on July 5 in Hamburg, losing to the Blues (0-0, 5 shots on target versus 3), in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo He also praised Bibi's career..
“You are unique, brother.“The 39-year-old five-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote on social media, adding that together they “won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the greatest victory is friendship.”
