The 41-year-old Portugal defender Pepe said on Thursday that he had quit football.

Pepe became the oldest player to show up in a European Championship finals event after Portugal was defeated by France on penalties in the quarter-finals.

“I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey,” emotional Pepe said in a video on social media reviewing his career.

“I also thank every president that gambled on and believes in me to be able to carry out my responsibilities. Who are the soul and essence of the clubs and the national team among all the staff members I have visited?

“And I would want to thank every background actor. I want to thank you and offer a hug for each and leave. And thanks everyone very much.

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

From Porto, Pepe joined the Spanish side in 2007 and returned to the Portuguese team in 2019, where he stayed till the conclusion of his career and won four Primeira Liga trophies across his two periods there.