Portugal defender Pepe, 41, announces retirement

Portugal defender Pepe has announced his status from football, ending 1 of nan astir highly dressed up careers of caller times.

Pepe, 41, became nan oldest subordinate to look astatine a European Championship finals this summer, and his past lucifer was Portugal's punishment shootout conclusion by France successful nan quarter-finals.

The erstwhile Real Madrid centre-back made 141 appearances for his state - only Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho person much Portugal caps - while he besides played for Porto, Besiktas and Maritimo.

An affectional Pepe thanked those who person helped him passim his profession successful a 33-minute video posted online, external connected Thursday.

He won Euro 2016 pinch Portugal and besides helped to unafraid 3 Champions League and 3 La Liga titles during his 10-year spell successful Madrid.

Pepe said: "I can't thief but convey each nan presidents who stake and believed successful maine to beryllium capable to execute my work.

"To each nan labor of each nan clubs I've been to, who are nan psyche and principle of nan clubs and nan nationalist team. And I want to convey everyone successful nan background. I want to time off a thank-you and a hug of gratitude for each of you."

Pepe became nan Champions League's oldest goalscorer past twelvemonth erstwhile he netted for Porto against Antwerp successful nan group stages.

His profession included making 334 appearances for Real Madrid astatine a clip erstwhile they were Europe's ascendant side.

Pepe's disciplinary grounds was besides famously notable, pinch him receiving a precocious number of reddish cards crossed his career.