While it may feel as though we are in the throes of a new era at Real Madrid, inspired by Zinedine Zidane's management and Cristiano Ronaldo's goals, another era has just drawn to a close at the Bernabeu.
Today, Portuguese centre-half and shithouse extraordinaire Pepe confirmed the news many have been expecting to come for a while and that he has indeed played his last game as a Los Blancos player.
The 34-year-old defender turned out 334 times for Real during his 10 seasons in the Spanish capital, following a €30 million move from Porto, in 2007.
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During his decade long affiliation with Real, Pepe lifted three La Liga titles, three Champions Leagues, two Copa Del Reys and two FIFA Club World Cups. He also enhanced his reputation as a master of the dark arts, causing him to become a divisive figure among football fans and, in Gary Lineker's opinion, 'a dick'.
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Actually, make that 'an enormous dick'.
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However, despite what Lineker and any other football fan may think of Pepe's ability to draw the ire out of his opponents, there's no denying the 34-year-old has been one of the world's finest centre-halves for the majority of his time with the European and Spanish champions.
He has today signed off his Real career with a heartfelt, poignant message to the club's fans on Instagram.
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Translated to English, the message reads: "On July 12, 2007 I arrived at Real Madrid with the illusion of a boy who arrived where he had dreamed every day of his childhood.
"Today, 10 years later, I have to stop wearing this badge. Every day I wore this shirt, I did it with the illusion of always.
"Today I can only thank all of you who have supported me, that you have written this beautiful story with me. Thanks to each one of you, who accompanied me. Thanks to all the friends and colleagues I know will stay wherever I go.
"I say goodbye also to this city, which has seen the birth and growth of my daughters. I am very happy for what I have achieved and I will carry your affection in the heart!
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"And I say it again ... The best of these 10 years ??? To train every day, to live with each and every one of the employees of this club ... Treading the Santiago Bernabeu and feeling your support was always magic!
"In my heart I keep your affection, and this feeling of duty fulfilled ... Real Madrid and your affection will always be part of my history, my life! Thanks and Until Always! "
The 34-year-old decided to bring the curtain down on his Bernabeu career after the club only offered him a new one year deal, rather than the two year contract he wanted.
Moves to Paris Saint-Germain and the Premier League have been rumoured, although the European Championship winning defender is yet to comment on where his future lies.
(H/T Goal)
Topics: Football, Pepe, Real Madrid
