Portugal veteran Pepe announced on Thursday in a video on social media he was retiring from football aged 41.

"I would like to thank you all," said the centre-back as he cited the clubs he represented, as well as the Portuguese national team and his family.

"Everyone gave me the support I needed to leave with my mind at ease."

Pepe joined Portuguese side Maritimo at the age of 18 and went on to play for Porto, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Turkish club Besiktas.

He spent a trophy-laden 10 years with Madrid, where he won three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and three Spanish league titles.

He also enjoyed two stints at Porto, between 2004-2007 and 2019-2024, winning a total of four Portuguese championships and five Portuguese Cups.

Former Madrid and Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo paid homage to Pepe in a post on Instagram: "There are no words to express what you mean to me, my friend.

"We won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the biggest triumph is the friendship and the respect I have for you. You're unique, my brother.

"Thank you for so much."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics/news-paris-olympics-pr-sreejesh-stars-in-farewell-game-as-indian-men%E2%80%99s-hockey-team-win-bronze-social-media-reacts-748489">Paris Olympics: PR Sreejesh stars in farewell game as Indian men’s hockey team win bronze, social media reacts</a>

Although born in Brazil, the centre-back made his international debut for his adopted country of Portugal in 2007 and went on to earn 141 caps, winning the their first piece of major silverware at Euro 2016, as well as the Nations League three years later.

Pepe set a new record as the oldest player to ever play at a European Championship when he started Portugal's opening game at Euro 2024, aged 41.

Portugal's elimination on penalties at the quarter-final stage of the tournament against France turned out to be the final game of Pepe's 22-year career at the top level of the game.

Portuguese football federation president Fernando Gomes labelled the defender "one of the greatest players of all time" and thanked him for his "extraordinary professionalism, dedication... and passion for football".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Portugal veteran Pepe announced on Thursday in a video on social media he was retiring from football aged 41. "I would like to thank you all," said the centre-back as he cited the clubs he represented, as well as the Portuguese national team and his family.

Portugal veteran Pepe announced on Thursday in a video on social media he was retiring from football aged 41. "I would like to thank you all," said the centre-back as he cited the clubs he represented, as well as the Portuguese national team and his family. "Everyone gave me the support I needed to leave with my mind at ease." Pepe joined Portuguese side Maritimo at the age of 18 and went on to play for Porto, Spanish giants Real Madrid and Turkish club Besiktas. He spent a trophy-laden 10 years with Madrid, where he won three Champions Leagues, two Club World Cups and three Spanish league titles. He also enjoyed two stints at Porto, between 2004-2007 and 2019-2024, winning a total of four Portuguese championships and five Portuguese Cups. Former Madrid and Portugal team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo paid homage to Pepe in a post on Instagram: "There are no words to express what you mean to me, my friend. "We won everything there was to win on the pitch, but the biggest triumph is the friendship and the respect I have for you. You're unique, my brother. "Thank you for so much." ALSO READ | Paris Olympics: PR Sreejesh stars in farewell game as Indian men’s hockey team win bronze, social media reacts Although born in Brazil, the centre-back made his international debut for his adopted country of Portugal in 2007 and went on to earn 141 caps, winning the their first piece of major silverware at Euro 2016, as well as the Nations League three years later. Pepe set a new record as the oldest player to ever play at a European Championship when he started Portugal's opening game at Euro 2024, aged 41. Portugal's elimination on penalties at the quarter-final stage of the tournament against France turned out to be the final game of Pepe's 22-year career at the top level of the game. Portuguese football federation president Fernando Gomes labelled the defender "one of the greatest players of all time" and thanked him for his "extraordinary professionalism, dedication... and passion for football". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Legendary Portugal defender Pepe announces retirement at 41

Pepe, a coin inspired by an anthropomorphized frog popular in internet memes, leapt nearly 7,000% in the 17 days after its April 16 launch, hitting a market value of $1.8 billion by May 5.

Toad-ally crazy: Pepe Memecoin leaps 7,000%

Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes has slammed the match officials after his side crashed out of the World Cup.&nbsp;Talking after the match,&nbsp;Fernandes said that Argentine&nbsp;referee Facundo Tello should not have been given the responsibility to officiate the match.&nbsp;

"I don't know if they're going to give the cup to Argentina. I don't care, I'm going to say what I think, and screw them. It's very strange that a referee from a team that's still in the cup officiates us. They've clearly tilted the field against us."

Meanwhile, 39-year-old Pepe also echoed his teammate's statements and added that the referee did not allow his side to play in the second half.&nbsp;

"We dominated the game 100 per cent of the time, I think what the referee did today; this is an Argentinian referee. After what Messi said yesterday, it seems there's something very weird. We couldn't play in the second half because the referee kept stopping the game."

"Their goalkeeper was always stopped, only added eight minutes of injury time. After what I saw today, they can now give the title to Argentina.”

Notably, after Argentina's hard-fought victory over the Netherlands, Lionel Messi in an interview&nbsp;took a shot at&nbsp;referee&nbsp;Lahoz who handed as many as 18 yellow cards during the course of the match, setting a new record in the process.

"I don’t want to speak about referees because they will sanction you. But people saw what happened. I think FIFA must take care of this.&nbsp;It cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task," said Messi.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was blunt in his assessment of the referee and said,&nbsp; "Hopefully&nbsp;we don't have that ref anymore...He's useless!"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-martinez-slam-referee-and-dutch-coach-after-tense-quarterfinal-win-541778">Read more:&nbsp;Messi, Martinez slam referee and Dutch coach after tense quarterfinal win</a>

Portugal went into the match with an unchanged XI named by manager Fernando Santos. Ronaldo found himself on the bench again. However, unlike the game against Switzerland, Portugal's attack could not penetrate the water-tight defence of the Moroccans.&nbsp;

The goal from&nbsp;Youssef En-Nesyri in the final minutes of the first half was enough for Morocco to see through the game and become the first African country to reach the final four stage of the World Cup.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes has slammed the match officials after his side crashed out of the World Cup. Talking after the match, Fernandes said that Argentine referee Facundo Tello should not have been given the responsibility to officiate the match.

Portuguese player Bruno Fernandes has slammed the match officials after his side crashed out of the World Cup. Talking after the match, Fernandes said that Argentine referee Facundo Tello should not have been given the responsibility to officiate the match. "I don't know if they're going to give the cup to Argentina. I don't care, I'm going to say what I think, and screw them. It's very strange that a referee from a team that's still in the cup officiates us. They've clearly tilted the field against us." Meanwhile, 39-year-old Pepe also echoed his teammate's statements and added that the referee did not allow his side to play in the second half. "We dominated the game 100 per cent of the time, I think what the referee did today; this is an Argentinian referee. After what Messi said yesterday, it seems there's something very weird. We couldn't play in the second half because the referee kept stopping the game." "Their goalkeeper was always stopped, only added eight minutes of injury time. After what I saw today, they can now give the title to Argentina.” Notably, after Argentina's hard-fought victory over the Netherlands, Lionel Messi in an interview took a shot at referee Lahoz who handed as many as 18 yellow cards during the course of the match, setting a new record in the process. "I don’t want to speak about referees because they will sanction you. But people saw what happened. I think FIFA must take care of this. It cannot put a referee like that for a match of such magnitude, of such importance. The referee cannot fail to be up to the task," said Messi. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was blunt in his assessment of the referee and said, "Hopefully we don't have that ref anymore...He's useless!" Read more: Messi, Martinez slam referee and Dutch coach after tense quarterfinal win Portugal went into the match with an unchanged XI named by manager Fernando Santos. Ronaldo found himself on the bench again. However, unlike the game against Switzerland, Portugal's attack could not penetrate the water-tight defence of the Moroccans. The goal from Youssef En-Nesyri in the final minutes of the first half was enough for Morocco to see through the game and become the first African country to reach the final four stage of the World Cup. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

FIFA World Cup 2022: Portuguese players blame 'Argentine' referee for World Cup exit

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Bukayo Saka's "moment of magic" in Thursday's 2-1 Europa League first-leg defeat by Villarreal, but said his team must not keep relying on the teenage winger to produce game-changing moments.

Arsenal found themselves against the ropes when they trailed 2-0 following goals by Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol before having Dani Ceballos sent off.

But Saka, one of Arsenal's standout players at the Estadio de la Ceramica, won a penalty that was converted by Nicolas Pepe to give the north London club a lifeline heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week.

"We needed a moment of magic and he (Saka) produced it again," Arteta told BT Sport. "We are very used to that this season. But that also tells us we need to do much more in other areas. We cannot rely all the time on him."

Arteta said Pepe's penalty could prove to be a pivotal moment in the tie.

"It gives us belief that if we do the right things and we play at our level, we can beat them," he said. "I'm disappointed that we lost the game obviously.

"We had some issues. The fact that we conceded really early affected us. We lost our organization, we were really stretched and there were big differences between the lines that we could not join together with the ball.

"But after the story of the game, I think we have to take it because we are in the tie, we are still alive."

Arsenal, who are 10th in the Premier League with 46 points from 33 games, visit Newcastle United on Sunday.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Bukayo Saka's "moment of magic" in Thursday's 2-1 Europa League first-leg defeat by Villarreal, but said his team must not keep relying on the teenage winger to produce game-changing moments.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hailed Bukayo Saka's "moment of magic" in Thursday's 2-1 Europa League first-leg defeat by Villarreal, but said his team must not keep relying on the teenage winger to produce game-changing moments. Arsenal found themselves against the ropes when they trailed 2-0 following goals by Manu Trigueros and Raul Albiol before having Dani Ceballos sent off. But Saka, one of Arsenal's standout players at the Estadio de la Ceramica, won a penalty that was converted by Nicolas Pepe to give the north London club a lifeline heading into the second leg at the Emirates Stadium next week. "We needed a moment of magic and he (Saka) produced it again," Arteta told BT Sport. "We are very used to that this season. But that also tells us we need to do much more in other areas. We cannot rely all the time on him." Arteta said Pepe's penalty could prove to be a pivotal moment in the tie. "It gives us belief that if we do the right things and we play at our level, we can beat them," he said. "I'm disappointed that we lost the game obviously. "We had some issues. The fact that we conceded really early affected us. We lost our organization, we were really stretched and there were big differences between the lines that we could not join together with the ball. "But after the story of the game, I think we have to take it because we are in the tie, we are still alive." Arsenal, who are 10th in the Premier League with 46 points from 33 games, visit Newcastle United on Sunday.

Arsenal cannot keep relying on Bukayo Saka, says Mikel Arteta

Nicolas Pepe spared Arsenal's blushes with two sublime free-kicks as they claimed a last-gasp 3-2 win over Vitoria in the Europa League on Thursday having twice trailed.

Unai Emery's side were heading for a demoralising defeat, three days after losing meekly to Sheffield United in the Premier League, but substitute Pepe's late intervention kept the Gunners top of Group F with a maximum nine points.

Vitoria led 2-1 thanks to first-half goals by former Tottenham Hotspur prospect Marcus Edwards and Bruno Duarte either side of Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli's leveller for the hosts -- his fifth goal in only his third start.

The home fans were becoming increasingly restless when Emery sent on Ivorian club-record signing Pepe from the bench in the 75th minute and five minutes later he curled the ball in left-footed from 20 metres after Matteo Guendouzi had been fouled.

He repeated the trick with what turned out to be virtually the last kick of the game to seal a seventh successive home win in Europe for Arsenal.

It was tough on Vitoria who played superbly until tiring late on and despite the win, it was a disjointed display by Arsenal who were booed by their own fans at halftime.

Pepe had only managed one goal in 11 appearances since joining from Lille but his sensational double against Vitoria could be the spark he needed, according to Emery.

"He can gain confidence from tonight. When he scores it's good for him and the team. He's getting better and he helped us tonight to win this match," Emery, who sent on Guendouzi and Dani Ceballos at halftime, said.

"Pepe is a very good player and we believe in him totally. We are very happy for him and us because he has two goals and two set-pieces which are perfect.

"He is improving and tonight he has two goals, which are important for us and for him. We didn't play as we wanted but we showed good spirit. It's a good victory."

Arsenal skipper Hector Bellerin admitted it had been a below-par display.

"There are lots of things we've got to improve as a team. We've got to keep the ball better, that's our trademark," he said. "When you give the ball away it doesn't mean you stop playing like that, it's in our DNA."

Until Pepe's dramatic arrival the headlines looked set to be about London-born Edwards, a player Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino once described as having a playing style similar to Argentine great Lionel Messi.

The tricky 20-year-old made only one League Cup appearance for Tottenham, however, and moved to the northern Portuguese club in the close season after a loan spell at Dutch side Excelsior.

He twisted inside two Arsenal defenders to fire his side ahead in the ninth minute -- celebrating in front of the home fans. He remained lively throughout until eventually being substituted with his side still leading.

Nicolas Pepe spared Arsenal's blushes with two sublime free-kicks as they claimed a last-gasp 3-2 win over Vitoria in the Europa League on Thursday having twice trailed.

Nicolas Pepe spared Arsenal's blushes with two sublime free-kicks as they claimed a last-gasp 3-2 win over Vitoria in the Europa League on Thursday having twice trailed. Unai Emery's side were heading for a demoralising defeat, three days after losing meekly to Sheffield United in the Premier League, but substitute Pepe's late intervention kept the Gunners top of Group F with a maximum nine points. Vitoria led 2-1 thanks to first-half goals by former Tottenham Hotspur prospect Marcus Edwards and Bruno Duarte either side of Brazilian teenager Gabriel Martinelli's leveller for the hosts -- his fifth goal in only his third start. The home fans were becoming increasingly restless when Emery sent on Ivorian club-record signing Pepe from the bench in the 75th minute and five minutes later he curled the ball in left-footed from 20 metres after Matteo Guendouzi had been fouled. He repeated the trick with what turned out to be virtually the last kick of the game to seal a seventh successive home win in Europe for Arsenal. It was tough on Vitoria who played superbly until tiring late on and despite the win, it was a disjointed display by Arsenal who were booed by their own fans at halftime. Pepe had only managed one goal in 11 appearances since joining from Lille but his sensational double against Vitoria could be the spark he needed, according to Emery. "He can gain confidence from tonight. When he scores it's good for him and the team. He's getting better and he helped us tonight to win this match," Emery, who sent on Guendouzi and Dani Ceballos at halftime, said. "Pepe is a very good player and we believe in him totally. We are very happy for him and us because he has two goals and two set-pieces which are perfect. "He is improving and tonight he has two goals, which are important for us and for him. We didn't play as we wanted but we showed good spirit. It's a good victory." Arsenal skipper Hector Bellerin admitted it had been a below-par display. "There are lots of things we've got to improve as a team. We've got to keep the ball better, that's our trademark," he said. "When you give the ball away it doesn't mean you stop playing like that, it's in our DNA." Until Pepe's dramatic arrival the headlines looked set to be about London-born Edwards, a player Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino once described as having a playing style similar to Argentine great Lionel Messi. The tricky 20-year-old made only one League Cup appearance for Tottenham, however, and moved to the northern Portuguese club in the close season after a loan spell at Dutch side Excelsior. He twisted inside two Arsenal defenders to fire his side ahead in the ninth minute -- celebrating in front of the home fans. He remained lively throughout until eventually being substituted with his side still leading.

Football: Pepe spares Arsenal's blushes with sublime double

Sheffield United moved into the top half of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Monday that ended the Gunners’ eight-match unbeaten run.

Unai Emery’s side had not been beaten in any competition since their 3-1 loss to Liverpool on Aug 24, but they missed out on the chance to move up to third as the hosts earned a deserved victory.

Lys Mousset poked home the winner from close range on his first league start for the Blades after Nicolas Pepe wasted a gilt-edged chance for Arsenal earlier in the first half.

"For the club to host a game like this, the magnitude of it - to play well and get a win is massive,” Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told Sky Sports.

"We came under pressure in the second half but we limited them to a few chances and we backed up a good performance with a good result.”

The result leaves Arsenal in fifth place on 15 points, two behind Leicester City and Chelsea, while Sheffield United moved into ninth on 12 points.

Arsenal came into the game with five wins in their last six games in all competitions, while the Blades had lost their last three home games in a row.

The defeat continued a poor run of away form for the Gunners, who have now picked up just two points from their last four league matches on the road.

Emery was left unhappy with the result and believed his side should have been awarded a penalty in the first half for a shirt pull by John Egan on Sokratis Papastathopoulos, which was waved away by referee Mike Dean.

"With VAR, the foul on Sokratis should have been reviewed," said the Arsenal manager.

"It was clear but we have to accept it. We did not deserve to lose and we will think about where we can improve."

Pepe squandered a glorious chance to give Arsenal the lead midway through the first half when he got on the end of a Sead Kolasinac cross but miscued his finish horribly from six yards out.

Mousset punished the visitors’ wastefulness when Jack O’Connell headed a corner into his path for the striker to bundle in from close range after half an hour.

Granit Xhaka connected well with a half-volley on the brink of half time but was denied by a flying save from Dean Henderson, and after the break Arsenal substitute, Dani Ceballos fluffed a volley from a promising position to give the goalkeeper a comfortable save.

United’s defence held firm and the home side threatened to double their lead through John Fleck, who hit a rasping shot into the side netting before striking a swerving effort from distance which had to be gathered at the second time of asking by Bernd Leno.

Sheffield United moved into the top half of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Monday that ended the Gunners’ eight-match unbeaten run.

Sheffield United moved into the top half of the Premier League table with a 1-0 win over Arsenal at Bramall Lane on Monday that ended the Gunners’ eight-match unbeaten run. Unai Emery’s side had not been beaten in any competition since their 3-1 loss to Liverpool on Aug 24, but they missed out on the chance to move up to third as the hosts earned a deserved victory. Lys Mousset poked home the winner from close range on his first league start for the Blades after Nicolas Pepe wasted a gilt-edged chance for Arsenal earlier in the first half. "For the club to host a game like this, the magnitude of it - to play well and get a win is massive,” Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder told Sky Sports. "We came under pressure in the second half but we limited them to a few chances and we backed up a good performance with a good result.” The result leaves Arsenal in fifth place on 15 points, two behind Leicester City and Chelsea, while Sheffield United moved into ninth on 12 points. Arsenal came into the game with five wins in their last six games in all competitions, while the Blades had lost their last three home games in a row. The defeat continued a poor run of away form for the Gunners, who have now picked up just two points from their last four league matches on the road. Emery was left unhappy with the result and believed his side should have been awarded a penalty in the first half for a shirt pull by John Egan on Sokratis Papastathopoulos, which was waved away by referee Mike Dean. "With VAR, the foul on Sokratis should have been reviewed," said the Arsenal manager. "It was clear but we have to accept it. We did not deserve to lose and we will think about where we can improve." Pepe squandered a glorious chance to give Arsenal the lead midway through the first half when he got on the end of a Sead Kolasinac cross but miscued his finish horribly from six yards out. Mousset punished the visitors’ wastefulness when Jack O’Connell headed a corner into his path for the striker to bundle in from close range after half an hour. Granit Xhaka connected well with a half-volley on the brink of half time but was denied by a flying save from Dean Henderson, and after the break Arsenal substitute, Dani Ceballos fluffed a volley from a promising position to give the goalkeeper a comfortable save. United’s defence held firm and the home side threatened to double their lead through John Fleck, who hit a rasping shot into the side netting before striking a swerving effort from distance which had to be gathered at the second time of asking by Bernd Leno.

Sheffield United end Arsenal's unbeaten run with impressive home win

Real Madrid defender Pepe is likely to be out of action for a month after suffering a thigh injury.

The Portugal international was replaced during the first half of Real&#39;s 4-1 win at Alaves on Saturday.

&quot;After tests carried out today on Pepe, he has been diagnosed with a grade 2 muscle injury in the femoral biceps of his left leg. His recovery will continue to be monitored,&quot; Real said in a statement on Monday.

The 33-year-old centre back, who has started eight games in all competitions for Real this season, is unlikely to return before December, ruling him out of six games, including the city derby at Atletico Madrid on Nov. 19.

He will also miss Portugal&#39;s World Cup qualifier at home to Latvia.

La Liga leaders Real play travel to Legia Warsaw in the Champions League on Wednesday. They visit arch-rivals Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season on Dec. 4.

(Reuters)

The Portugal international was replaced during the first half of Real's 4-1 win at Alaves on Saturday

Real Madrid defender Pepe is likely to be out of action for a month after suffering a thigh injury. The Portugal international was replaced during the first half of Real's 4-1 win at Alaves on Saturday. "After tests carried out today on Pepe, he has been diagnosed with a grade 2 muscle injury in the femoral biceps of his left leg. His recovery will continue to be monitored," Real said in a statement on Monday. The 33-year-old centre back, who has started eight games in all competitions for Real this season, is unlikely to return before December, ruling him out of six games, including the city derby at Atletico Madrid on Nov. 19. He will also miss Portugal's World Cup qualifier at home to Latvia. La Liga leaders Real play travel to Legia Warsaw in the Champions League on Wednesday. They visit arch-rivals Barcelona in the first Clasico of the season on Dec. 4. (Reuters)

Real Madrid's Pepe faces a month out

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