Football: Turkey's Besiktas, Pepe part ways

By Ercan Cakar

ISTANBUL (AA) – Turkish football team Besiktas and Portuguese defender Pepe have reached a mutual decision to end his contract, the club announced on Monday.

“Thanks for those great memories #Pepe,” said the team on Twitter, along with a photo of the 35-year-old player.

In a statement, the club said that Besiktas will pay €100,700 ($114,345) to Pepe to cut him loose.

The Istanbul side signed the former Real Madrid defender last year. He played in 52 official games and scored 7 goals.

Pepe has racked up numerous successes during his career, including winning the UEFA Champions League and the Spanish La Liga each three times.

He was also on Portugal’s national squad, which brought home the EURO 2016 trophy.