Benfica confirm Rui Costa's return

Former Portuguese international midfielder Rui Costa is returning home to SL Benfica after parting company with Italian side AC Milan.

Official presentation
The 34-year-old, who was presented to the media on Thursday evening, has long been expected to rejoin the club he left for ACF Fiorentina after claiming the Portuguese title in 1993/94. After seven years in Florence he transferred to Milan, winning Serie A in 2003/04 to add to the UEFA Champions League trophy he had helped collect the previous season.

'Great joy'
"I would like to thank Milan as they let me fulfil my dream in returning to Benfica," said Rui Costa. "I am very pleased and this is a moment of great joy. I hope I can give the supporters plenty to cheer. I also would like to say thank you to the club's president as he still believes in my capacities to play at the highest level. I always felt this is my home and I always dreamed of this moment. I want to repay my debts for all that Benfica have given me."

Back home
Rui Costa has often expressed a wish to end his career at the Estádio da Luz having retired from international football following UEFA EURO 2004™. Benfica will start next term's UEFA Champions League in the third qualifying round after finishing third in the 2005/06 Liga.