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At the current tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo is scheduled to compete in the UEFA Euro 2024 for an unprecedented record-tying sixth time. While many see Euro 2024 as Ronaldo's final tournament as a player for Portugal, others think he will probably play for his nation past the regional tournament this year. The Al-Nassr standout intends to keep competing and hopes to represent his country in the North American 2026 World Cup.
Pepe, who has been Portugal's underappreciated rock at their back for the past 20 years, is about to become the oldest player in Euro history in Germany following a career filled with highs and scandal. Portugal may start the two oldest footballers in the tournament when they travel to Leipzig to play the Czech Republic during their opening Euro 2024 match.
Cristiano Ronaldo will be at one end of the pitch and is the team's all-time leading in international games and has an insatiable need for goals and achievements. On the opposing end is Pepe, the 41-year-old centre-back. The duo were part of the training session ahead of the game against the Czech Republic and were seen reacting to ‘Hala Madrid’ chants by some of the fans that had attended the open practice session. The duo were part of some of the most significant victories in the history of Real Madrid and are considered legends of the club.
A fan chanted “Hala Madrid” during the Portugal’s training session
— RW 🇸🇪 (@ronaldowarrior) June 16, 2024
Ronaldo and Pepe looked at each other and remembered the good old days... 🥲pic.twitter.com/FXaKuhAizz
“He's a very important player” : Roberto Martinez on Pepe
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez spoke about the importance of Pepe in the team and how crucial he can be during tense situations. He said, "Pepe's role in the dressing room is important, the way he represents the national team shirt. I think that during the training camp, football is a constant struggle.”
The former Belgium manager added, “And it was interesting to see Pepe play two games in March and keep a clean sheet for the 90 minutes he played. His communication, his positioning mean that, when he's fit, he's a very important player."