Pepe says farewell to Real Madrid fans with an open letter: "The day has arrived..."
The central defender is moving on after defending the Real Madrid for 10 years and wanted to say his own goodbye to the fans.
Pepe confirmed a few hours ago that his time at Real Madrid is at an end. The central defender, whose contract is up on 30 June, didn't reach agreement with the club over an extension and is moving on after 10 years' service for Los Blancos.
Pepe is currently with the Portugal squad in Oiera, preparing for Friday's 2018 World Cup qualifier against Latvia. But the player wanted to bid farewell and thank the fans for how they have treated him during his time in Madrid.
Pepe's open letter
“The day has finally arrived... on 12th July 2007 I joined Real Madrid with the excitement of a child who had realized the dream he'd had every single day of his childhood. Today, 10 years later, the time has come when I have to say goodbye and will no longer be wearing this club crest. I wore this shirt with hope every single day. Today I can only say Thank You to all of you,who have supported me, who have written this wonderful story together with me. I'd like to thank each and every one of you, who have accompanied me. I'd also like to thank friends and team mates who will stay with me wherever I go. I am also waving goodbye to the city, the place where my daughters were born and grew up. I feel very happy for all that I have achieved and I will carry the love you have shown me in my heart! What has been the best part of these last 10 years??? Training every day, spending time with all of the employees at this club ... stepping out onto the Santiago Bernabéu pitch and feeling your support was always a magical feeling! In my heart I will keep your affection and the feeling that I have done my best... Real Madrid and the love you gave me will always be part of my history, my life! Thank You and So Long!”
