RUI COSTA SIGNS NEW CONTRACT DEAL

The Portuguese star, who looked likely to leave the club following the sale of Gabriel Batistuta, took the decision to remain in Florence along with fellow contract rebel Francesco Toldo, despite a disappointing season with The Viola.

The arrival of Fatih Terim sent shockwaves through Italian football, and was greeted with dismay by the vociferous Florentine 'tifosi.'

The Turkish coach was brought in after success with Galatasaray in the Uefa Cup, but was not a popular choice and rekindled talk of dissatisfaction from Euro 2000 star Toldo and Rui Costa.

With an agreement already in place, it seemed inevitable that the Portuguese star would complete the deal - but there must still have been a sigh of relief around the Stadio Artemio Franchi, when Rui Costa finalised the contract.