Pepe says something special when Ronaldo hasn't scored at Euro 2024

"Cristiano lives to score goals, that's true," Pepe said at a press conference ahead of Portugal's round of 16 match against Slovenia at 2:00 a.m. on July 2. "But have you seen him always ready to play to help the national team? It's unbelievable. He's the player who has played the most games in our team at the age of 39."

Ronaldo, who won the Golden Boot at Euro 2020 with five goals, remains in contention for Euro 2024 thanks to his 35 goals for Al Nassr, a Saudi Pro-League record.

Pepe nói điều đặc biệt khi Ronaldo chưa ghi bàn ở Euro 2024 - 1 — Ronaldo started all three group stage matches for Portugal but has yet to score a goal (Photo: Getty).

He also warmed up for Euro 2024 by scoring twice in Portugal's 3-0 win over Ireland in a friendly on June 11 to take his international scoring record to 130 goals.

"He's doing very well," Pepe said of Ronaldo. "He'll do very well in the knockout stages of Euro 2024. I'm sure he'll give us a lot of joy."

Pepe, like Ronaldo, lifted the European Championship in 2016. The veteran centre-back is the oldest player to play at the Euros at the age of 41.

"I'm so happy to be part of this group, it's a privilege. The secret to my fitness? Simply my passion for football. I've said many times that it's a privilege to be able to go out there and do what I love most with great focus and competitiveness, which I have.

I put love into every action, in training as well as in matches. That's it," Pepe revealed the secret to playing at the age of 41.

Pepe nói điều đặc biệt khi Ronaldo chưa ghi bàn ở Euro 2024 - 2 — Pepe claims his passion for football helps him play at the age of 41 (Photo: Getty).

Asked if he would retire from international football after Euro 2024, Pepe said: "I haven't thought about it yet. I'm focused on the next training session, the next match, which is very important for me and for Portugal."

Pepe will also become a free agent in July after FC Porto confirmed that his contract will not be renewed beyond this summer.

"To be honest, I don't think much about it. The future belongs to God, I have a lot to worry about today, like how I will protect my teammates in the upcoming training sessions, how to recover for tomorrow's training session. Those are my concerns," Pepe concluded.