By Melody Gross 
Pepe was Porto's best player against Arsenal in London. After the match, the Portugal international explained why he is still performing at a very high level at the age of 41.
“With each passing year, players have to take care of themselves and dedicate themselves to the details. What I can say is that I am passionate about this sport. All the effort, the invisible effort outside the four lines… is everything. Good rest, good nutrition and good preparation are all part of it. Preventive work too. “I dedicate myself a lot to being able today, at 41 years old, to be a role model on and off the field.”
The defender also assumed that the receiver would depend mainly on the signals his body sent to him.
“I am very sad to be eliminated. At this age, I am trying to live day by day. This body is no longer the body of 30 or 20 years old. I have to know how to listen to my body and my inner energy in order to know and be very honest with FC Porto. “If “I couldn't continue for another year, I will tell the officials.”
Pepe also took the opportunity to analyze the confrontation against Arsenal and leave a word of thanks to the fans for their support in both matches.
“Unfortunately we did not succeed. I thank the fans who were impeccable in supporting the team here in London and in Dragao. We knew it would be a difficult match like the first match. We tried not to let Arsenal play between the lines. We worked well, we were humble, but we had Always the feeling of hurting the opponent. They had a well-placed shot and scored. If we had played better in attack, we could have scored an equalizer or a winner. In the penalty shootout, Arsenal unfortunately won. I'm proud of my teammates, they did what the coach asked. We made it difficult for Arsenal “A team that has great attacking power and scores a lot of goals. We saw in these two matches that we neutralized that match. Congratulations to the team.”
Remember that Pepe's contract with Porto expires at the end of the current season.