Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has paid an emotional tribute to his longtime teammate, Pepe, who announced his retirement from football on Thursday.

Pepe hangs up his boots at the age of 41.

His last game came at Euro 2024, where they lost to France on penalties in the quarter-finals.

Pepe’s participation at the tournament saw him become the oldest player to feature at a European Championship.

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

“There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me, friend,” Ronaldo wrote on X.

“We won everything there was to win on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you. You are unique, my brother. Thank you so much.”

Pepe also spent 10 years at Real Madrid – eight of them alongside Ronaldo.

During their time together, they won three LaLiga titles and three Champions League trophies, as well as two FIFA Club World Cups.

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