Portugal defender Pepe retires from soccer at the age of 41

Thu, Aug 8, 2024
Soccer News (AP)

LISBON (AP) - Portugal defender Pepe announced his retirement from soccer on Thursday at the age of 41.

The last game of the Brazilian-born center back's career was for Portugal in its penalty-shootout loss to France in the European Championship quarterfinals last month. He was in tears after the game.

Pepe announced his retirement on social media.

He made 141 appearances for Portugal, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo (211) and Joao Moutinho (146).

In his club career, he won three Champions League titles and three Spanish league titles with Real Madrid between 2007-17. His last club was Porto, which he joined for a second spell in 2019.

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