Iconic Portugal Defender Announces Retirement from Professional Football

The legendary and iconic Portugal defender Pepe has announced retirement from professional football. After the events of the Euros where they lost against France in the penalties, it was done and dusted for Portugal, as Pepe left disheartened and felt full of frantic, sobbing on the shoulder of Cristiano Ronaldo. However, Portugal had never had a defender and a player like Pepe who is timeless, brave, and experienced. The 41-year-old finally parted ways from the love of his life.

Pepe has made 141 appearances for Portugal, making him one of the country’s most highly reliable players. His intensity in his defending showcased his one-on-one defending skills, alongside his pace, sliding tackles and physical toughness are undoubtedly unrivaled by any other defender. Pepe’s one of the most crucial aspects is how he approaches his passion for the club he plays and never lacks his top class and form. He also approaches the header from the corner.

Photo byPeter GlaseronUnsplash

Pepe’s Achievements for Clubs and Portugal

Pepe’s distinct achievements for Portugal are very underrated in clubs he has played professional football for 23 years, as he won four Primeira Liga titles, three Taca de Portugal, three La Liga titles, two Spanish Cups, and three UEFA Champions League. For Portugal, he bagged 2016 Euros with his stellar and dominant performance in that tournament with his iconic ‘crazy’ aggressive tackles enough to tremble his opponents.

Pepe’s contribution to Real Madrid will always go down as one of the biggest Madrid Legends. He has made 334 appearances, scoring 13 goals for the club. His terror and deep intensity to mentally disturb his opponents on the pitch make him the most brutal and feared defender in football history. Pepe’s quality to be a better teammate and a quality friend makes him stand up for them in the toughest situations and fight for them.

His iconic moment when he pocketed Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Neymar during the El Classicos made a big reason for people to watch those matches. His great friend and teammate Cristiano Ronaldo always stood by his side in a difficult situation and made the team one-sided and dangerous. Pepe’s great traits of being a great leader and a good friend but also a tough and worst enemy could be missed by any defenders.

Pepe’s mindset to be the best and world-class defender for Portugal and its clubs taught many young talents to rise and to imprint from him. Started from Maritimo as a second squad, Pepe moved to the first squad in his second season, and he then moved to FC Porto in 2004 showing his brilliance in defending, Real Madrid bought him in 2007, as he is better known for that club, moving to Besiktas for a short period attracted Porto to be the last club of his career.

Pepe and his Gratitude to his Fans

He posted a lengthy video on YouTube and Instagram saying:

“I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey. I cannot fail to thank all the presidents who believed in me and believed in me. All the employees of all the clubs I have been to, they are the soul and essence of the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day”.

He added, “All the fans, who are the soul of football. To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream, which was to be a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence”.

“My children for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, for supporting me when I left home to play. They were the support I needed to be able to go with a clear conscience. I would like to thank everyone, give them my thanks and a hug of gratitude. Thank you all very much.”

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Article originally written by Ayush Korda