Time does not pass in vain for people. On this occasion, the legendary Pepe, at 41 years of age, surprisingly announced his retirement on Thursday 8 August. The former Portuguese defender used his social profiles to post a 33-minute farewell video.
After terminating his contract with Porto this summer, there were many doubts about whether the veteran footballer would continue in the game. The Portuguese has finally decided to hang up his boots after an incredible 22-year career.
His beginnings go back to Brazil, where he played for Corinthians Alogoano de Maceio, where he was born. From there he moved on to second-tier teams in Portugal before joining Maritimo in 2001. His professional debut came on 12 April 2002, in the 31st matchday of the 2001-02 Portuguese League against Boavista, and he started all 90 minutes.
Pepe played 64 official matches for the Funchal side, scoring 3 goals and receiving 25 yellow cards and 4 red cards. After 3 seasons with the club, the defender moved to Porto, where he also played for another 3 seasons (2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07).
At the ‘Dragoes’, the defender left an unforgettable mark by winning 5 titles: 2 Portuguese Super Cups, 2 Portuguese Leagues and 1 Portuguese Cup. He made 88 official appearances, 8 goals and 4 assists, as well as 25 yellow cards and 2 red cards.
Pepe became a solid wall in defence and his good work at Porto brought him to Real Madrid. Los Blancos signed him in the summer of 2007 for 30 million euros, a not-inconsiderable sum for a defender.
At the age of 24, the Portuguese did not hesitate for a second to sign for one of the biggest clubs in the world. Despite the pressure, the defender won a place and formed a partnership at the back with Sergio Ramos Pepe played for Los Blancos for a decade, during which time he made 334 official appearances, scoring 15 goals and providing 16 assists.
On 6 June 2017, the veteran player announced his departure on 30 June and a few days later his arrival at Besiktas was confirmed. The Ottoman club welcomed with open arms the Portuguese, who only lasted 1 year and 5 months at the club.
After his time in Turkey, his next and last stop on his career was Porto, to which he returned 12 years later. The Portugal international, a free agent at the time, returned to the club that launched him onto the world football stage for six seasons.
