Portugal defender Pepe shared a wholesome moment with a journalist after his side's gut-wrenching penalty shootout defeat by France in their Euro 2024 quarter-final on Friday.
Pepe, 41, is the oldest player at this summer's Euros, and produced another impressive display to keep France at bay across 120 minutes in Hamburg.
But it wasn't enough to see his team through to the semi-finals as they lost 5-3 on penalties, with Joao Felix being the only player to miss as his spot-kick came back off the post.
Euro 2024 is likely to be Pepe's final international tournament, and he was understandably emotional as he spoke to the media afterwards.
During his interview with one journalist from his homeland, the reporter thanked Pepe for everything the 141-cap international had done for Portugal.
Pepe was visibly moved by the journalist's words and after the heartfelt message the pair embraced each other with Pepe struggling to hold back the tears.
He had earlier been seen in floods of tears in the immediate aftermath of Portugal's defeat and had to be consoled by Cristiano Ronaldo.
The veteran centre back broke his silence on social media on Saturday as he posted: 'Thank you Brave Nation.
'Dreams never end, dare to dream always.
'Go Portugal, ALWAYS!'
Pepe made his international debut in 2007 and has played in nine major tournaments for his country.
His career highlight with Portugal came in 2016 when they won the Euros for the first time in their history, and Pepe featured in six of their seven matches at the tournament.
duecdeouy
1
pepe
Lowackmotz
0
Dirty Portuguese
Lowackmotz
0
That was why he hate Messi
Lowackmotz
0
zindikmsuz
0
The coach was the culprit for Portugal elimination. When you're scared to take critical decision, it's going to hunt you back. CR7 should never start a game but should be used as a substitute.
what is the problem he played well. This.team.not on that levels that's that. they talk highly because they have Cris. when cr7 retired the team has no power you will see it. they will look like netherlands
Rikbiklmu
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Tru. But I'm glad it happened that way. Now going forward if the coach drop him he can't throw a tantrum and his crazy fans have to shut thier mouth
I agree with you!
Techniciansy2k
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The coach was the culprit for Portugal elimination. When you're scared to take critical decision, it's going to hunt you back. CR7 should never start a game but should be used as a substitute.
Tru. But I'm glad it happened that way. Now going forward if the coach drop him he can't throw a tantrum and his crazy fans have to shut thier mouth
Techniciansy2k
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Coach shouldn't have given Joao Felix chance for penalty ,he's outdated n not fit, Portugal lost, v.sad
This is a dumb comment. What does fitness have to do with taking pk? They should've use the big ego as a sub instead of starting him. The French defenders got accustomed to him but he played the full game bcuz he's untouchable. He played full 120mins and had no impact yet you want to blame felix. Isn't felix human just like the ego guy when he missed a pk the other day?
Zipacemnpy
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Coach shouldn't have given Joao Felix chance for penalty ,he's outdated n not fit, Portugal lost, v.sad
deacnprtyz
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Pepe
Rikbiklmu
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The coach was the culprit for Portugal elimination. When you're scared to take critical decision, it's going to hunt you back. CR7 should never start a game but should be used as a substitute.
KahunaLII
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Farewell from the big stage legend football will always remember you.
kiycdektyz
0
What a guy,17 years with the National team
Letekmouyz
1