11 June 2007, by Sean Gillen

Official: Figo to play one more season

Inter Milan announce Portuguese legend to extend career

Italian champions Inter Milan have confirmed that veteran Portuguese winger Luis Figo will remain at the San Siro for one more season.

The 34-year-old had recently been deciding on whether to end his career in Europe after his current contract expires this summer, with several clubs from the Middle East and the USA believed to have made offers for his services.

Figo accepted an offer to move to Saudi Arabia in January, but the deal recently fell through and the Portuguese legend has been the subject of strong pleas from the Nerazurri fans to stay in Milan for one more season.

A statement on the club’s official website read:

“Luis Figo has confirmed his desire to play another season with Inter, and on the basis of agreements already made, will renew his contract until 30 June 2008.

“At the end of next season, Luis Figo will put his great experience and professionalism at the service of the club to take care of international relations.”

Figo was in excellent form towards the end of the Italian season as Inter sealed the Scudetto title as runaway leaders in Serie A.

The veteran of 127 caps for his country has seen his role on the pitch change over the last year, with Roberto Mancini often deploying him in a free role behind the forwards.

Related article: Luis Figo PortuGOAL profile