Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has penned a heartfelt tribute to his longtime teammate Pepe, who announced his retirement from football at the age of 41.
Pepe’s illustrious career came to a close after Euro 2024, where Portugal lost to France in the quarter-finals.
Ronaldo took to social media to express his admiration for Pepe, saying, “There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me, 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 unique, my brother. Thank you so much.”
The duo formed a formidable partnership on and off the pitch, winning numerous titles together at Real Madrid, including three LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies. Pepe’s retirement marks the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and excellence. With 141 appearances for Portugal, Pepe will be remembered as one of the country’s greatest defenders.