Pepe, 41, made history during the tournament by becoming the oldest player to appear at the European Championships, while Ronaldo, 39, played every minute of Portugal's last two tough matches. The match against France, which ended in a tense penalty shootout, Portugal lost to France with a score of 3–5.
Pepe, on the other hand, was seen crying, his emotions coming out as Ronaldo consoled him. "His tears are of frustration," Portugal manager Roberto Martínez said. "Pepe is an icon in Portuguese football. What he did tonight and in the tournament will stay with us for the next generations."
When pressed about the future of these two legends, Martínez made it clear that no decisions have been made. He said, "No. Everything is very raw. We are still taking the loss. There is no personal judgment at this point." The thought of Ronaldo and Pepe never wearing the Portugal jersey again was unbearable for their supporters, who had watched them achieve glory and face adversity over the years.
Pepe, on the other hand, was seen crying, his emotions coming out as Ronaldo consoled him. "His tears are of frustration," Portugal manager Roberto Martínez said. "Pepe is an icon in Portuguese football. What he did tonight and in the tournament will stay with us for the next generations."
When pressed about the future of these two legends, Martínez made it clear that no decisions have been made. He said, "No. Everything is very raw. We are still taking the loss. There is no personal judgment at this point." The thought of Ronaldo and Pepe never wearing the Portugal jersey again was unbearable for their supporters, who had watched them achieve glory and face adversity over the years.
