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One of the most decorated center-backs of the 21st century, Kepler Laveran de Lima Ferreira, lovingly known as “Pepe”, has announced his retirement from professional soccer. The 41-year-old posted a 33-minute-long YouTube video on Thursday, thanking his family, fans, and everyone he worked with for standing by him through thick and thin over the last 22 years.
“I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey. I can’t help but thank all the presidents who bet on me and believed in me. All the employees of all the clubs I’ve been to, they are the soul and essence. And of the national team. All my teammates and coaches, who helped me grow and compete every day. All the fans, who are the soul of football,” said Pepe (via 90min).
“To Jorge Mendes, to Gestifute, to my mother, who was essential in my journey by letting me fly towards my dream, which was to be a professional footballer. To all my friends and family, especially my wife, who was my home in my absence. My children for believing in me, for being a fundamental support in my life, for supporting me when I left home to play. They were the support I needed to be able to go with a clear conscience. I would like to thank everyone, give them a big thank you and a big hug of gratitude. Thank you all very much.”
122 años de História !
Felicidades @realmadrid ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/43ufQeH4ns
— Pepe (@officialpepe) March 6, 2024
Pepe started his career at Maritimo before joining FC Porto in July 2004. Over the following three years, he developed into one of the best defenders in the country and sealed a mega move to Real Madrid. Between 2007 and 2017, he won it all with Los Blancos, forming a formidable center-back pairing with Sergio Ramos. He initially left Madrid for Besiktas, but he could not settle in, which led to his return to boyhood club FC Porto. For Portugal, Pepe played in 141 games, scoring eight times. He holds the record for being the…
Source link : https://sportslens.com/news/pepe-announces-retirement-5-players-who-played-the-most-matches-with-the-portugal-real-madrid-center-back/
Author : Sushan Chakraborty
Publish date : 2024-08-09 07:19:47
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