Inter Milan's Portuguese great Luis Figo revealed that he's going to retire from professional football by the end of the season. The Nerazzurri were gifted the Serie A silverware after city rivals AC Milan slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Udinese on Saturday. The domestic triumph urged Figo to announce that he will hang up his boots this summer, saying it's the right time to end his glittering career. "This is the first time I have celebrated before playing," the 36-year-old told A Bola. "This is the best way to end." Former Portugal skipper Figo was about to retire a year ago when he had disagreements with then Inter boss Roberto Mancini. But he backtracked on his decision after the installment of his fellow countryman Jose Mourinho as head coach, and stayed in action for another term. Recent reports suggested that Figo could seal a move to a Major League Soccer side, but the former Real Madrid superstar played down the allegation.
Figo also also impressed on the international stage Something Special "I will not play again at the highest level and I will most likely not accept any offer," he said. The veteran schemer, however, admitted that he could be tempted out of retirement should he receive a 'special' offer. "Only if something special emerges, and it is from outside of Europe, but it is not likely," he elaborated. Figo, who won 127 Portugal caps, started his professional career at Sporting Lisbon in 1989, and then moved to Barcelona in 1995 and stayed with the Catlans for five years. Afterwards, he had another successful stint in the Primera Liga with Real Madrid, before signing for Inter in 2005. The most prestigious personal accolades he claimed were the 2000 European Footballer of the Year award, and the World Player of the Year in 2001.
