Pepe: Real Madrid legend and Portuguese defender retires at 41

Portuguese defender Pepe has announced his retirement from football, ending one of the most decorated careers of recent times.

Pepe, 41, became the oldest player to feature at a European Championship finals this summer, and his last game was Portugal’s penalty shootout defeat to France in the quarter-finals.

The former Real Madrid centre-back made 141 appearances for his country – only Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho have more caps for Portugal – while he also played for Porto, Besiktas and Maritimo.

An emotional Pepe thanked those who helped him throughout his career in a 33-minute video posted online, external on Thursday.

He won Euro 2016 with Portugal and also helped them win three Champions League and three La Liga titles during his 10 years in Madrid.

Pepe said: “I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet and believed in me to be able to do my job.

“To all the employees of all the clubs I have 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 to all of you.”