Pepe has claimed that Portugal's win over France in the Euro 2016 final was 'a victory for the whole nation'.

The Real Madrid centre-back was part of the Portugal team that secured the European crown on Sunday night with a 1-0 extra-time success over France, courtesy of a 109th-minute strike from Eder.

Portugal lost captain Cristiano Ronaldo to a knee problem early in the match, but Fernando Santos's side recovered to lift the crown and Pepe called the occasion "an extraordinary match".

"We knew we were on the pitch representing an entire nation, Portugal. It's a beautiful country, with wonderful people. We believed in the people who taught us many things, with humility, union, sacrifice and desire. This victory is for everyone!" Pepe told reporters.

"It was difficult to be without our best player (Ronaldo), the man who from one moment to another could make the difference, but God gives battles to the best soldiers and we were warriors on the pitch. We said we were going to win for Cristiano and we did!

"We defended and attacked well. There was a lot of pressure, but we wanted to win for everyone who came to see us. I want to give my thanks to everyone in the group, the staff and the Portuguese people. It was an extraordinary match, our best of the tournament."

Pepe returned from a thigh problem to start the European Championship final at the Stade de France.

Written by
Matt Law