Figo rethinks international retirement

Luis Figo says he is ready to carry on playing for Portugal after this summer's European championships but only in tournament matches.

"At the moment I plan on retiring from the national team after the Euro, but I don't know ... if I could choose I would play only in the final phases," the Real Madrid star told Portuguese sports daily Record.

"After the Euro the World Cup qualifiers start and I don't know if I will be in shape for that," Figo added.

"At the right time I will have to make my choice. If I am still active and fit of course I would like to play in the (World Cup) finals in Germany in 2006, but before that we have the qualifiers ..."

Figo, scheduled to win his 100th cap against England on Wednesday, added player overload had hurt the last World Cup in 2002 in Japan and South Korea .

"It was a strange World Cup because the majority of players arrived there in very bad physical shape after a very draining season. This is something those in charge must think very seriously about," he said.

"We practically do not stop, it is crazy. Between now and the Euro I will have practically two matches a week, without a break," the Real Madrid midfielder added.

Figo, who has scored 30 goals for Portugal, said the heavy schedule left players prone to injuries.

Figo, 31, is carrying a calf injury but Portugal expect him to be fit for Wednesday's friendly in Faro.

He announced last October he would retire from the national team after the Euro 2004.

Figo, whose contract with Real Madrid runs to 2006, was the 2001 FIFA World player of the year and has been Portugal's outstanding player ever since his debut in 1991 in a 1-1 draw against Luxembourg.