Figo calls it quits

Portugal captain Luis Figo has confirmed his retirement from international football.

The legendary winger is the most capped player in Portuguese history and he marked his final appearance by setting up the consolation goal for Nuno Gomes with a typically pinpoint cross from the right wing.

Figo, Fifa's 2001 World Player of the Year, feels the time is right for younger legs to be given the chance to shine on the highest stage.

"It is hard for me to end my international career in this way," he said after the third-place play-off defeat to Germany. "I did everything I could and the team gave their all.

"I'm very proud to have been part of this team.

"It's very difficult to leave after 15 years but the time had to come in the end."

The 33-year-old, who has represented both Barcelona and Real Madrid in Spain, will now concentrate his efforts on his club career with Italian side Internazionale.

Figo, who started his career at Sporting Lisbon before heading to Barcelona, appeared at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 European Championships as well as the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

Striker Pauleta, who has come in for some stiff criticism in Germany this summer, is expected to follow Figo into international retirement.

Pauleta, 33, is Portugal's all-time leading scorer with 47 goals in 87 appearances.