Portugal defender Pepe, 41, fights back tears after wholesome moment with journalist following his side's heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat by France

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Portugal defender Pepe shared a wholesome moment with a journalist after his side's gut-wrenching penalty shootout defeat by France in their Euro 2024 quarter-final on Friday.

Pepe, 41, is the oldest player at this summer's Euros, and produced another impressive display to keep France at bay across 120 minutes in Hamburg.

But it wasn't enough to see his team through to the semi-finals as they lost 5-3 on penalties, with Joao Felix being the only player to miss as his spot-kick came back off the post.

Euro 2024 is likely to be Pepe's final international tournament, and he was understandably emotional as he spoke to the media afterwards.

During his interview with one journalist from his homeland, the reporter thanked Pepe for everything the 141-cap international had done for Portugal.

A Portuguese journalist thanked Pepe for all he had done for their country after Portugal's agonising defeat by France

The pair shared a warm embrace as Pepe fought to hold back the tears

Pepe had earlier been left in tears after Portugal's loss and had to be consoled by Cristiano Ronaldo

Pepe was visibly moved by the journalist's words and after the heartfelt message the pair embraced each other with Pepe struggling to hold back the tears.

He had earlier been seen in floods of tears in the immediate aftermath of Portugal's defeat and had to be consoled by Cristiano Ronaldo.

The veteran centre back broke his silence on social media on Saturday as he posted: 'Thank you Brave Nation.

'Dreams never end, dare to dream always. 

'Go Portugal, ALWAYS!' 

Pepe made his international debut in 2007 and has played in nine major tournaments for his country.

His career highlight with Portugal came in 2016 when they won the Euros for the first time in their history, and Pepe featured in six of their seven matches at the tournament.