The player known as the "maestro" called time on a 16-year professional career in his club's final game of the season.

The 36-year-old Portuguese playmaker began his career at Benfica, before returning to the club in 2006 following successful spells with Fiorentina and AC Milan in Italy.

Following the win on Sunday, which ensured the Lisbon club's participation in next season's UEFA Cup, Rui Costa told the fans inside Estadio da Luz that while he was sad to be ending his career he was delighted to be able to do so at the club where it all began for him.

"Thank you for everything you've given me, for all your support," he said after the game.

"Today something ends for me which I began doing when I was nine years old.

"But instead of crying, as I have at other times, I'm going to be smiling plenty, because I'm ending my career where I dreamed I would: at Benfica.

"There's a mix of emotions. Sadness for leaving the thing that I love doing most, pride for everything I've experienced in all these years, happiness at being able to say goodbye at the club where I started and in front of my fans, and plenty of nostalgia.

"Nothing will beat the happiness I feel at being able to end my career at Benfica."

In 2004, following defeat in the final of the European Championships, Rui Costa called time on his international career having amassed 94 caps for Portugal.