Pepe, Portuguese international and living football legend, breaks a new record in the Champions League.
Pepe once again defied the laws of time this Wednesday evening with Porto against Arsenal (1-0), in the round of 16 first leg of the Champions League.
Already holder of the record for the oldest scorer in the competition after his goal against Antwerp last November, the Portuguese earned a new title, that of the oldest player to play in a knockout match, at 40 years old.
“I am still strong”
An extraordinary performance which earned the former Real Madrid member, who will celebrate his 41st birthday next Monday, the congratulations of Rio Ferdinand, former Manchester United defender and now consultant for TNT Sports.
“Congratulations to the Porto club for what they have done, and especially to the man in this image (Pepe, editor’s note). 40 years old, I think he’s going to be 41 on Monday, it’s just amazing to think how much he’s prepared his body,” he said.
And added: “That’s why I asked him: ‘But how do you continue to do that?’ And he told me, ‘I’m still strong.’ He is overflowing with confidence and I think that comes from his mentality,” Ferdinand said.
