Figo To Quit Portugal

Real Madrid star Luis Figo has announced that he plans to abandon the Portuguese national team following Euro 2004.

The 30 year-old winger told Sport TV that he would like to win Euro 2004 but says it will be very difficult.

"We (the Portuguese national team) are not as good as Portuguese people think we are," he said. "Teams like France and Spain are better than us. I would like to win at Euro 2004 but it will be very complicated. Euro 2004 will be the last time I represent Portugal."

Figo will be 33 years old by the time the 2006 World Cup comes around. He stated that he would like to concentrate more on club football in the twilight of his career as he would like to "win more trophies."

During this interview Figo went on to defend fellow out of favour goalkeeper Vitor Baia by saying that coach Luis Scolari should call him up to the national team. "Vitor still has the quality to play at international level and should be part of the group that is selected for Euro 2004."