Figo decides to quit Portugal team - for now

STAR midfielder Luis Figo last night announced his retirement from the Portugal team after a career spanning 15 years, but refused to rule out a possible return.

“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 ... but at this moment I feel the need to stop,” he said.

“There are moments in life where we are forced to make choices. Some are easier than others. This one is particularly difficult for me.”

Figo, 31, has won 110 caps and scored 31 goals for Portugal. He made his senior debut in October 1991 against Luxembourg and scored his first goal in November 1992 in a 2-1 victory over Bulgaria.

Figo is also part of Portugal’s so-called “golden generation” who won the FIFA World U-16 championship in 1989.