Pepe's Farewell: Celebrated Portugal Defender Bids Adieu at 41, following Stellar Stints with Real Madrid and Porto

Portuguese football legend Pepe announced his retirement from the sport on Thursday at the age of 41.

Pepe's last game came at Euro 2024, where Portugal were defeated by France on penalties in the quarter-finals, and he became the oldest player to appear at a European Championship finals tournament.

"I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey," an emotional Pepe said in a video on social media which looked back on his career.

"I can't help but also thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to perform my work. To all the employees of all the clubs I've been to, who are the soul and essence of the clubs and the national team.

"And I want to thank everyone in the background. I want to leave a thank you and a hug of gratitude for all of you. And thank you all very much."

Pepe made 141 appearances for his country, winning the Euros in 2016, and spent 10 seasons at Real Madrid, where he won three LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies, as well as two Club World Cups.

Pepe joined the Spanish side in 2007 from Porto and returned to the Portuguese club in 2019, where he remained until the end of his career, winning four Primeira Liga titles across his two spells at the club.

When does the summer transfer window open and close?

The 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League and 11.30pm in Scotland.

The Premier League has brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.