Lisbon (Portugal), Oct 22: Luis Figo says he will retire from the Portugal national team after his country hosts next year's European Championship, though he will keep playing for Real Madrid club.
"I'm planning on retiring (from Portugal) after the European championship," the 30-year-old midfielder told Portuguese cable sports channel Sport TV Monday.
Figo has for years been Portugal's standout player, forming an impressive partnership with Rui Costa.
He has made 96 appearances for Portugal and should reach 100 before the championship. Figo has a contract with Real Madrid through 2006.
The winger warned fans that Portugal, despite playing Euro 2004 on home turf, couldn't be considered a favourite to win the 16-nation tournament.



"We probably think we're better than we are, but you can't expect to win the Euro just because you're playing at home," he said. "We can't compare ourselves to France, Spain or Germany or teams which are teams that are used to winning titles.



"We've got a good team but we've a long way to go before we attain the quality and experience of those sides which have already been champions."


Bureau Report