Portugal´s Conceicao hangs up his boots

Former Portuguese international Sergio Conceicao announced Saturday that he is retiring as a player.

“I want to announce today the end of my footballing career. When I look back I’m proud of what I achieved,” Conceicao told the Portuguese press.

The midfielder, who turns 35 on Sunday, will becoming sporting director of Greek club PAOK Salonica where he has played for the past two seasons.

During his career he played for major European clubs including FC Porto, Lazio, Parma, Inter Milan and Standard Liege.

He also notched up 56 caps and scored 13 goals for Portugal between 1996 and 2004. The highlight of his career was the clash against Germany in Euro 2000 when he scored a hattrick during their 3-0 victory.