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3 months ago
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Deeply touched, Cristiano Ronaldo paid tribute to his great friend Pepe, who retired from football at the age of 41 on Thursday.
Cristiano Ronaldo could not remain silent in the face of the news of the day in Portugal. Pepe announced his retirement from football, at the age of 41, on Thursday, a month after confirming his international retirement (in tears) during the elimination of the Seleçao in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 by the French team. Returning to FC Porto in 2018, the former Real Madrid defender is coming off six good seasons with the Dragons and was once again irreproachable in the Champions League, he who became the oldest outfield player in the history of the competition. He could easily have continued for another year. But no.
“There are no words to express how much you mean to me, my friend. We have won everything on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you. You are special, my brother. Thank you very much.”launched the five-time Ballon d’Or winner on Instagram after the announcement of this friend he met 17 years ago.
Ronaldo and Pepe, two champions
It must be said that Ronaldo has a pretty incredible history with Pepe. The prodigy from Madeira saw this Brazilian (naturalized Portuguese after arriving in Portugal at the age of 18) arrive in the national team in August 2007. “CR7” signed for Real Madrid in 2009, where he reunited with his teammate from the Portuguese national team. No other Portuguese international was present in the Merengues squad. Together, they won La Liga twice (2017, 2017) and the Champions League three times (2014, 2016, 2017), while also winning Euro 2016 in France, with Pepe being named man of the match in the final against Les Bleus!
Pepe ended his immense career in the national team with 141 caps to his name. ” THANKS “simply wrote the native of Maceio (northeast of Brazil) by publishing a video on Instagram.
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Manu Tournoux is a passionate and knowledgeable football enthusiast with a special focus on French football. Born and raised in France, Manu discovered his love for the beautiful game at a young age and developed a deep understanding of the ins and outs of "Le Championnat." His French roots and extensive experience in football journalism have made him an invaluable asset to the French Football Weekly team.
 
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