Pepe left Porto and ended his career this season after Pinto da Costa lost the elections. This revelation came from the former Porto boss who was defeated by André Villas-Boas in the elections held last April. In an interview with TVI, the former president said that the Brazilian club signed the renewal contract that he still has today, explaining that the player had provided a condition for the document to enter into force.

“I have a copy and Pepe has a replica. I have photos of him signing,” reveals Pinto da Costa, president of the Dragons for 42 years. “I will sign it. If the president wins,” he said. [as eleições]“Put the contract on and I’ll play. If I don’t win, I’ll finish my career.”

The Portuguese international announced his retirement on August 8 at the age of 41, after another European Championship appearance. The affair caused discontent among Porto members, with many calling for Pepe to continue. Andre Villas-Boas revealed in an interview with Now TV that the player will not play for the Dragon again this season.

“What I conveyed to Pepe, in a way, which is logical, is that his whole future is closely linked to Porto, both emotionally and even professionally. And about his continuity, as the president of Porto said: ‘Porto player, that will not happen.’”

However, the new Porto leader did not provide details about the departure. According to Pinto da Costa, Pepe's retirement from the pitch was already planned before the elections, if Porto members decided to choose Villas-Boas as the club's president.