Figo and Pauleta call time
09 Jul 2006 - 11:26:31
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- Figo and Pauleta call time
Portugal stars Luis Figo and Pauleta have both confirmed their retirements from international football.
Figo has called it a day after a record 127 caps for his country, having netted 32 goals, while Pauleta is Portugal's record goalscorer with 47 strikes to his name in just under 90 appearances.
Figo told reporters after the 3-1 defeat by Germany: "It is hard for me to end my international career in this way. I did everything I could and the team gave their all.
"I'm very proud to have been part of this team. It's very difficult to leave after 15 years, but the time had to come in the end."
Pauleta added: "This is the saddest day of my career.
"Playing for this team, scoring for this team was what I most loved doing, but my time has come."