Portugal defender Pepe has urged his side to write their names into football folklore with victory over France in the final of Euro 2016.

The Selecao have reached the final of a major tournament for just the second time and could win the first international trophy in their history if they overcome the hosts at the Stade de France.

Pepe missed the semi-final victory over Wales with a thigh injury, but having declared himself fit for the final, he is now keen to create history with his nation.

"Yes [this is the most important match of my career] because I am representing my people, my country," he told reporters.

"We want to write our names down in history and we believe that we can play well. We want to follow the gaffer's orders and we want to bring great joy to all the Portuguese people.

"Tomorrow we will have 11 million people, 11 players, plus three who will come on later on, and everyone will want to write their name in the history books and the history of Portuguese football."

Portugal's only previous appearance in a major final saw them fall to a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Greece in 2004.