Figo was one of Portugal's "Golden Generation"

He said: "The time has come to take a break. I still can't say if this is for ever, but I feel the need to stop."

The 31-year-old former World Player of the Year has made a record-breaking 110 appearances for his country scoring 31 international goals.

Last month the Real Madrid star helped Portugal reach the Euro 2004 final.

But Figo did not rule out a return to the side in the future, adding: "I have never refused to serve my country and no one can predict the future."

Figo, along with Costa and defender Fernando Couto, was part of the so-called "Golden Generation" of players who won the world youth championship in 1989.

The Portuguese reached the last four at Euro 2000 and the final at Euro 2004, but having missed out on the trophy both times, that generation's greatest chance of success is now gone and younger players like Cristiano Ronaldo have taken centre stage.

Despite being a key player over the years, Figo was substituted several times during Euro 2004.

He was taken off in the quarter-final win over England and made a point of going straight to the dressing room, rather than watching the rest of the game from the bench.