Porto legend Baía bids farewell

Former Portuguese international goalkeeper Vítor Baía has announced his retirement at the age of 37. The FC Porto legend will take on a public relations role with the Portuguese champions.

'Brilliant era'
"This is not an easy moment for me because I have lots of emotions," said Baía, who made 406 league appearances for Porto in two spells with the club, at a press conference to confirm his decision. However I am pleased with the fact I will continue in Porto. A brilliant era has just ended but I hope the new one will be just as good."

Glittering career
Capped 80 times by Portugal, Baía played in EURO '96™, UEFA EURO 2000™ and the 2002 FIFA World Cup before losing his place in the national side following the arrival of Luiz Felipe Scolari. In a glittering club career he won the UEFA Champions League with Porto in 2004 to add to the UEFA Cup he had claimed with the club a year earlier and the 1997 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, in which he triumphed with FC Barcelona. Having also won ten league titles, five domestic cups and eight Super Cups in Portugal, and one Primera División title, two Copa del Reys and one Spanish Super Cup, he is one of the most successful players to grace the game in recent years.