Veteran’s ‘love for the game’ shines for Portugal

DORTMUND: Portugal veteran Pepe is the oldest player ever to appear at the European Championship but that did not stop him from being one of the best performers in Saturday’s win over Turkiye as coach Roberto Martinez described the 41-year-old as a “wonderful example”.

The Porto centre-back, who turned 41 in February, set the record for the competition’s oldest player when he appeared in his country’s 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in their opening game at Euro 2024.He passed the mark set by Hungary goalkeeper Gabor Kiraly, who was 40 years and 86 days when he played against Belgium in the last 16 at Euro 2016, and Pepe was again in the side for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Turkiye.