May 13, 2008 12:10 PM

SOURCE:
uefa.com

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Rousing finale for retiring Rui Costa

Portuguese hero Rui Costa said an emotional farewell on Sunday, ending his playing career at 36 in SL Benfica's 3-0 win at home against Vitória FC.

'It is over'
"It is over," said Rui Costa after the game. "In the midst of my sadness about retiring, I am overjoyed that it ended this way. Thank you all." Made captain for the day, Rui Costa gave the No10 shirt he wore in his final game to his father, and added: "It was very emotional. These people gave me everything. I always tried to give something back and I will continue to do that."

Strong voice
A crowd of 50,000 were in strong voice as the midfielder made his final professional appearance, with Rui Costa receiving a rapturous reception from when he appeared to do his pre-match warm-up to the moment he was substituted near the end of the game. A short ceremony, set up by Benfica and the local authorities to celebrate his career, also received a tumultuous response.

Final substitution
Benfica started the game with an outside chance of claiming a UEFA Champions League place next season, but with results going against them elsewhere, the crowd's main desire soon shifted to urging Rui Costa to sign off with a goal. It did not happen, but the crowd hardly seemed disappointed as the 94-times capped former ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan player came off for the last time.

Signing off
First fielded by Sven-Göran Eriksson at Benfica in 1991, he won a league and a cup in Portugal before joining Fiorentina in 1994. Nicknamed 'Il Maestro' in Florence, he moved on to Milan in 2001, where he won three Italian Cups, one Serie A title and the 2002/03 UEFA Champions League before rejoining Benfica in 2006. He concluded: "I thank everyone who helped me get here - these supporters, this stadium, Benfica and all the sportsmen I met in my career."