Pauleta joins Figo in retirement

World Cup 2006 News

Jul 9, 2006, 13:58 GMT

Stuttgart - Portugal striker Pauleta announced his international retirement on Saturday after the country's 3-1 defeat to Germany in the World Cup play-off match for third place. The Paris St-Germain striker wore the captain's armband for the game, his 88th in the red and green. 'This is the saddest day of my career,' said the visibly moved Pauleta. 'I leave knowing I have given my all playing for my country.' The 33-year-old's last match was overshadowed somewhat by Luis Figo's final bow, but although the Azores-born player has been questioned on his ability to score goals in big matches, his tally of 47 ranks him as Portugal's highest ever goalscorer above Eusebio. Selected by coach Luiz Felipe Scolari as Portugal's lone striker in the tournament, Pauleta scored early on in their opening match against Angola but failed to add to the strike as goals dried up at the crucial moment. Figo, considered one of Portugal's greatest players, also hung up his international boots on Saturday. The Inter Milan midfielder came on for Pauleta, strapping on the skipper's armband for the last 13 minutes of the match against Germany. In his 127th showing, Figo supplied the pin-point cross for Nuno Gomes to head in a consolation goal. 'I told my team-mates this would definitely be my last game,' said Figo who scored 32 times for his country. 'I told them I was proud to have been involved in this team. 'I leave the national side at a time of joy. I hope we don't have to wait another 40 years before seeing Portugal among the best four in the world.' © 2006 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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Pauleta joins Figo in retirement

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