Cristiano Ronaldo has sent an emotional message to Pepe after the Portugal icon proclaimd his withdrawment at the age of 41.
The veteran, who had spells with Real Madrid, Besiktas, Maritimo and Porto during his club atsoft, also made 141 euniteances for his country.
The Portugal icon is hanging up his boots fair weeks after Euro 2024, with his country crashing out to France in the quarter-finals.
Pepe verifyed the news by saying: “I can’t help but thank all the plivents who bet and dependd in me to be able to carry out my labor.
Cristiano Ronaldo has sent an emotional message to Portugal icon Pepe after the protecter proclaimd his withdrawment from football at the age of 41
GETTY
“To all the participateees of all the clubs I’ve 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 depart a thank-you and a hug of gratitude for all of you.”
Ronaldo is one of two carry outers to feature for Portugal more than Pepe over the years.
And the Al-Nassr star, writing on Instagram, phelp tribute to his ‘friend’ while sharing snaps of the pair together.
“No words to transmit how much you uncomfervent to me my friend,” he shelp.
“We won everyleang there was to prosper on the field, but the hugegest accomplishment is the friendship and admire I have for you. You are exceptional my brother
“Thank you for so much.”
Ronaldo and Pepe won Euro 2016 with Portugal, who beat France 1-0 in the final that year courtesy of a stunning strike from Eder.
They were also team-mates at Real Madrid, helping Los Blancos claim three Champions League titles together.
Fans cherishd Ronaldo’s message to Pepe, with one participater saying: “The two who put Portugal on the map.”
A second shelp: “I’m not crying you are.”
A third reacted by saying: “For a sec I got sjoind imagining Cristiano’s proclaimment, Almighty prent donate me power to withstand the uncontentness of it.”
And a fourth shelp: “Two legends who labeled my childhood a lot.”
While Pepe is hanging up his boots, Ronaldo persists to carry out.
The 39-year-better will be hoping to prosper his first league title with Al-Nassr this season, having leave outed out on the prize to Al Hilal last term.
Ronaldo toiled at the European Championships, fall shorting to score a individual goal as his side’s pursuit of glory ended unsuccessfilledy.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Pepe were team-mates at Real Madrid in insertition to shining together for Portugal
GETTY
But Ronaldo has no schedules to walk away from football fair yet.
He has previously showd he’d cherish to carry out at the 2026 World Cup. Whether he can get there remains to be seen, especiassociate with his magic begining to wane.
