Cristiano Ronaldo has led the tributes to his former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Pepe after the centre-back announced his retirement.
Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric also weighed in with heartfelt messages to the football legend, who called time on a career spanning 23 years this afternoon.
The 41-year-old made his debut for Portuguese side Maritimo in 2001 and eventually made 737 club appearances, as well as receiving 141 caps for his national team, in a glittering career.
The star won the Champions League with Real Madrid three times and also claimed three La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey trophies. He memorably tasted victory in the European Championships with Portugal in 2016 after beating hosts France in the final.
Now his ex-colleagues have flooded in with kind words for the Portuguese icon, who was known for his aggressive playing style and no-nonsense defending.
Cristiano Ronaldo has led the tributes to his former Real Madrid and Portugal teammate Pepe
The 41-year-old eventually made 737 club appearances, as well as receiving 141 caps for his national team
He memorably won the European Championships with Portugal in 2016 after beating hosts France in the final (Pepe pictured second right in sling)
Now his ex-colleagues have flooded in with kind words for the Portuguese icon, who was known for his aggressive playing style and no-nonsense defending
Ronaldo, with whom Pepe kickstarted an era of European dominance for Real, took to Twitter to post an emotional tribute to his friend.
He said: 'There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me, friend.
'We won everything there was to win on the field, but the greatest achievement is the friendship and respect I have for you.
'You are unique, my brother. Thank you for so much.'
Pepe formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Spaniard Sergio Ramos over the course of a decade.
His equally fierce Madrid teammate posted on Instagram: 'A true warrior. Many matches, wins and trophies together.
'It was a pleasure playing alongside you, brother.
'Enjoy this new stage of your life, I wish you the best, my friend.'
He waved goodbye to his Portugal career at Euro 2024 after becoming the oldest man to feature at the tournament
Pepe formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Spaniard Sergio Ramos over the course of a decade
Ronaldo said: said: 'There are not enough words to express how much you mean to me, friend'
Pepe moved to Porto later on his career, which lasted a whopping 23 years
The centre-back was an ever-present at Real Madrid from 2007 to 2017
Madrid midfielder Luka Modric, who played hundreds of matches with Pepe, added: 'Leyenda (Legend)'
Manchester United defender and Portugal colleague Diogo Dalot simply posted a love heart to express his feelings for the icon
His long-time employers Real also weighed in with a lengthy post dedicated to their club legend.
'Faced with Pepe's announcement about his retirement from football as a professional player, Real Madrid C. F. wants to show his gratitude, affection and admiration for one of the great legends of our club and world football,' it began.
'Pepe was part of Real Madrid from 2007 to 2017, a decade in which he won everything with our club.
'During the ten seasons in which he defended our shirt, he won 14 titles in 334 games: 3 European Cups, 2 Club World Cups, 2 European Super Cups, 3 Leagues, 2 King's Cups and 2 Spanish Super Cups.
'Pepe has also been one of the greatest players of the Portuguese national team, with which he won 1 European Championship and 1 Nations League.
'In addition, it is part of the history of FC Porto, with which he won 1 Intercontinental Cup, 4 Leagues, 5 Cups, 4 Portuguese Super Cups and 1 League Cup.
'Pepe has been one of the best defenders of Real Madrid and European football, and will always have the recognition and affection of all Real Madrid. Real Madrid wishes him and his whole family good luck in this new stage of his life.'
Manchester United defender and Portugal colleague Diogo Dalot simply posted a love heart to express his feelings for the icon.
Meanwhile, Emmanuel Adebayor, who played 14 games with Pepe while on loan at Real in 2011, said: 'Congratulations on a beautiful career bro.'
Madrid midfielder Luka Modric added: 'Leyenda (Legend).'
Pepe moved to Real from Porto in 2007 for the heady sum of €30million but was not weighed down by the price tag.
Stars of the game weighed in with heartfelt tributes following Pepe's retirement
He won 15 major club honours with the Spanish giants, as well as the 2016 Euros and 2019 Nations League with Portugal.
The centre-back then returned to Porto in 2019 at the age of 36 and kickstarted a five-year renaissance which saw him lift two more Portuguese League titles to add to the two he lifted in his first spell at the club.
He waved a tearful goodbye to the national side at this summer's Euros after crashing out to France in the quarter-finals.