Bruno Alves puts an end to his football career at the age of forty. The 96-time Portuguese international was still under contract with Greek club Apollon Smyrnis last season.
Alves took his most important prize in 2016, when he became European champions for the first time in history with Portugal. The central defender did not play a prominent role in that tournament. He only played the entire game in the semi-final against Wales (2-0).
“Today I announce the end of my football career with gratitude to all the trainers, teammates, coaches and people who have been involved in my career. The journey ends here, but other opportunities will arise,” Alves wrote on Monday. Instagram†
For years, Alves was a fixture in the Portugal national team. He played at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and the 2012 and 2016 European Championships. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, he was part of the selection, but did not receive any playing time.
As a club player, Alves achieved his greatest successes at FC Porto. He celebrated four national titles there, including once (in 2006) under coach Co Adriaanse. Later he played for, among others, Fenerbahçe and Rangers FC.
Bruno Alves played 96 caps for Portugal.
Bruno Alves played 96 caps for Portugal. Photo: Getty Images