Who said what? Luka Modric, James Rodriguez and others react on social media as Real Madrid icon Pepe announces retirement

Portuguese legend Pepe announced his retirement from football on Thursday, August 8, at the age of 41. Former teammates and other people from the footballing world flooded the comments of his Instagram post as the central defender called time on an illustrious career spanning 23 years.

Real Madrid legend Luka Modric was among the players who showed their appreciation for Pepe.

"Leyenda," Luka Modric wrote.

Luka Modric's (image via Instagram/official_pepe)

Here are some other reactions:

"Legend pepito! Thank you," James Rodriguez wrote (translated to English)

Bruno Alves and James Rodriguez's (image via Instagram/official_pepe)

"Thanks for everything friend. It was a pleasure and honor to have played alongside you. I am so proud to have done a double ctg," wrote former teammate Jose Fonte.

"Thank you for this amazing career legend," commented Fenerbahce player Cenk Tosun.

Cenk Tosun and Anderson Talisca's comment (image via Instagram/official_pepe)

"God bless you brother," wrote Brazilian forward Anderson Talisca.

"There are only two possible words: congratulations and thank you," wrote Porto's official Instagram handle.

FC Porto and the Portugal National Team's comment (image via Instagram/official_pepe)

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Pepe bids adieu to football with an emotional thirty-minute video

Portugal v France: Quarter-Final - UEFA EURO 2024 - Source: Getty (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)

Pepe posted a heartfelt video on YouTube where he thanked all his teammates, clubs, and everyone associated with his career as he announced his retirement. The legendary centre-back took a trip down memory lane to revisit all the iconic moments in his illustrious career.

"I want to thank God for giving me the wisdom to be able to continue my journey. I cannot fail to thank all the presidents who believed in me and believed in me. All the employees of all the clubs I have been to, they are the soul and essence 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. 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," Pepe said.

Pepe is the third-most capped player in the history of the Portuguese national team at 141. The 41-year-old is only behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Joao Moutinho. The center-back has also scored eight goals for his national side.

At club level, Pepe represented Porto, Real Madrid, Besiktas, and Maritimo. He made 334 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 15 goals and creating 20 more.

Pepe also helped Los Blancos win three La Liga titles, two Supercopas de Espana, two Copa del Rey titles, two FIFA Club World Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and three UEFA Champions League crowns.