CNN.com - Figo 'takes a break' from Portugal

	Figo: " I feel the need to stop."

LISBON, Portugal -- Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo said in a statement on Wednesday that he was taking a break from playing for his country but stopped short of confirming that his international career was over.

"I think the time has come to take a break," said the 31-year-old Real Madrid star.

"I don't know if it will be forever, because I will never refuse to serve my country and because no one can predict the future, but at this moment I feel the need to stop.

"There are moments in life where we are forced to make choices. Some are easier than others. This one, for obvious reasons is particularly difficult for me."

Figo shares the Portuguese record for international appearances with Fernando Couto with 110 caps.

The last of those came in Portugal's defeat by Greece in the final of Euro 2004 in Lisbon last month.

Despite the host nation's disappointment, Figo said the tournament had marked the emergence of a new generation of young Portuguese talent.

"At Euro 2004, which filled us all with pride, we saw a new group of footballers emerge who are capable of guaranteeing the level Portuguese football has achieved in the last decade," said Figo.

Portugal's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who clashed with Figo when he substituted him during Portugal's Euro 2004 quarterfinal win over England, said he understood Figo's position.

"I thank the athlete and friend Luis Figo for coming from Madrid to Lisbon to speak to the national coach about his decision," said the Brazilian.

"I understand his decision and reinforce my support for the player, with the conviction that he will remain with the team, his friends and colleagues in the next big challenges. Until the moment when Figo decides that his break should end," Scolari told the Web site of the Portuguese Football Federation.

Figo made his international debut in 1992, having helped Portugal to victory in the world youth championship in 1991 and the world under-16 championship in 1989.

He was considered the brightest star of the "golden generation" that dominated the Portuguese team for most of the past decade but failed to win any senior international honors.

After a series of spectacular performances for Portugal at Euro 2000, Figo joined Real Madrid from archrivals Barcelona for a then-world record fee of $56 million. He was named European player of the year in 2000 and FIFA world player of the year in 2001.

Last month Real said they would not renew Figo's contract when it expires at the end of the season.