Officially retires at the age of 41. Say what you want about Pepe, they don’t make em like him anymore. I really do miss his physical approach to defending, even if that’s what made people dislike him.

He certainly deserves respect for his longevity in the game, and he is one of the most talented defenders that I’ve had the pleasure of watching in my lifetime.

I think that would have been a far more common opinion if so many non- Real Madrid fans didn’t associate him with what I think were relatively few incidents of rough play and un-sportsman-like behaviour throughout his long career.

How he handled himself shouldn't matter for there is no one way or right way to play football and anyone taking a moral high ground above it needs to stfu. I am not a fan of such a way of football for its peasant stuff and summarises most of football half the time I see the game in SA, doesn't mean it's wrong.

Because guess what the man showed up pretty much on any big occasion country and club, and its only his longevity on top flight and not truly declining, that had me begin to like him.

Otherwise I couldn't stand him at a time as well.


Very similar path to Chiellini who also was controversial but similarly did not decline hard and remained a top game stalwart.
Rest well Pepe.

A real mixed bag, top defender at his best...but yea too bad its together with too much psychoness which makes me not able to respect him if otherwise Amazing longevity but a thug...

I vividly remember how in that game him n Ramos decided to bully Diego Costa cos he was just provoking everyone too much n put him in his place lol... kind both liked it n not at the same time

EPEP

Loved his hate to lose attitude, even if it meant a couple of hard fouls. I felt just prior to 2011 season, our player's were too nice and gracious when losing. Pepe and Ramos were the two who had that violent streak i liked. Pepe was always a good defender, i felt Ramos grew into one.

Diego costa was disgusting, I remember a game where he would spit in his gloves and throw it at players. i was surprised they all hugged after that game