“I have already made my decision” - Portugal star Pepe responds when asked about retirement after emotional Euro 2024 exit to France

Portugal legend Pepe responded when asked about his international retirement after France eliminated A Selecao from Euro 2024. The quarter-final clash ended in a penalty shootout loss (3-5) for Roberto Martínez's side on Friday, June 5.

After a goalless 120 minutes, the match went into penalties. France were able to convert all of their penalties, taken by Ousmane Dembele, Youssouf Fofana, Jules Koundé, Bradley Barcola, and Theo Hernández.

Portugal, meanwhile, netted their first two penalties taken by captain Cristiano Ronaldo, and Bernando Silva. However, forward Joao Felix failed to net the third one, as Nuno Mendes scored the next one.

Following the crushing defeat, Pepe, who was in tears, was asked about his future. The 41-year-old defender replied (via O Jogo):

"Future? I have already made my decision and will reveal it soon."

When asked if the Euro 2024 quarter-final was his last game for his nation, the former Real Madrid star responded (via O Jogo):

"The important thing now is not that. The most important thing is to congratulate my teammates for the delivery to the game. We have fulfilled the plan, but football is this cruel."

Pepe, who made his senior debut for Portugal in 2007, has made 141 appearances for his nation. He helped the Selecao win the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and the 208-19 UEFA Nations League.

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Pepe spoke about teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after Portugal's Euro 2024 exit

Following Portugal's elimination from Euro 2024 at the hands of France in the quarter-finals, an emotional Pepe hugged Cristiano Ronaldo. When asked about his former Real Madrid teammate, the veteran defender replied (via O Jogo):

"It means a lot. We have to go through this process, which is painful. I will have the opportunity to talk about the future."

"I will have time to talk, first we have to go through the process of pain and sadness, it is part. We all want to win for our country, we can not give that joy to the people, but unfortunately football is that. Four or five days ago we won on the penalties and today we lost. We have to give strength to colleagues and believe in the process, we are on a good path," added Pepe.

Pepe and Cristiano Ronaldo have played 348 games together for Real Madrid and Portugal combined, winning 242 of those.