Figo calls time on playing career

Luís Filipe Madeira Caeiro Figo enjoyed an illustrious career for club and country

Midfielder Luis Figo has announced he will retire at the end of the season having helped Inter Milan win their fourth successive Serie A title.

"I finish in the best possible way - I will no longer play at a high level," said the former Portugal midfielder.

The 36-year-old, world player of the year in 2001, made his name at Barcelona before moving to Real Madrid for a world-record fee of about £37m.

He helped Real to the Uefa Champions League title in 2002.

The move from the Catalan giants, who he enjoyed winning two Primera Liga titles with, to bitter rivals Real Madrid after Euro 2000 was controversial and angered many Barcelona fans.

606: DEBATE How good was Figo?

On his return to the Nou Camp in October of that year he was jeered by the home support each time he touched the ball and one banner read "We hate you so because we loved you so".

He went on to two more league championships with Real and the Champions League before moving to Inter on a free transfer in 2005.

Figo had more success with the Italians, picking up three Serie A titles under Roberto Mancini before winning the current championship under the guidance of countryman Jose Mourinho.

Figo is Portugal's most-capped player with 127 appearances and scored 32 goals during that time.