Portuguese playmaker Rui Costa retires

Veteran Portugal playmaker Rui Costa was given an emotional send-off as he confirmed his retirement from the game after Benfica's 3-0 win over Vitoria Setubal on Sunday.

"Retired with my fans, retired with pride, I feel happy now," the 36-year-old told 50,000 supporters at the Luz stadium in Lisbon after the final game of the Portuguese season.

"There was a lot of emotion and sadness in my retirement but I feel proud of my career."

Costa, who retired from international football after Euro 2004 with 94 caps and 26 goals, returned last season to the club that launched his career after 12 years in Italy.

Costa played for Fiorentina from 1994 to 2001 where he won two Italian Cups.

Costa played for five seasons at AC Milan where he won one Serie A title in 2003/4 and the Champions League in 2002/3.