14 November 2006, by Sean Gillen

Tiago Costa says fond farewell to Hearts

Former Benfica defender to seek new club in Portugal

Portuguese defender Tiago Costa has left Scottish Premier League outfit Hearts, after a difficult spell in Edinburgh. The 21-year-old right-back has been allowed to return to Portugal, just three months after arriving in Scotland.

Costa joined Hearts from Benfica in August, and was regarded as a key signing for the club as they looked to launch a serious challenge for the SPL title. However, despite impressing on his debut against Inverness Caledonian Thistle shortly afterwards, he has found first-team chances limited.

After his debut Costa suffered a frustrating spell on the sidelines with injury, and strong competition for places at the back meant that the versatile defender played only a few reserve team games after returning to full fitness.

He had recently expressed a desire to stay and fight for his place with the Jambos, but Costa has now asked to leave the club, and will be on the lookout for a new team in his homeland in the near future.

The Tynecastle club released a statement confirming the youngster’s departure: “Tiago has requested a return to Portugal for personal reasons and we were happy to oblige,” said a club spokesman.

“He was a popular player in the squad and was an excellent professional in his time here. The club wish him all the best for the future.”