Portugal's star midfielder Luis Figo announced his retirement from the national team yesterday after an illustrious career in which he won 110 caps and scored 31 goals.
"I think the time has come to take a break. I don't know if it will be forever, because I will never refuse to serve my country and because no one can predict the future, but at this moment I feel the need to stop," he said in a statement.
The 31-year-old player, whose contract with Real Madrid expires in December and will not be renewed, added he believed a new generation of players had emerged during June's European football championships which would guarantee Portugal's continued success in the sport.
Portugal reached the finals of Euro 2004, its best ever performance in an international tournament, losing 1-0 to Greece. Figo, who made his senior debut for Portugal in October 1991 in a 1-1 draw against Luxembourg, has for years been Portugal's standout player.
Filed by Barry J Whyte
