*Where are they now?*
*Rui Manuel César Costa OIH*
born 29 March 1972, is a retired Portuguese professional footballer.
Regarded by pundits as one of the greatest players of his
generation, Costa usually played as an attacking midfielder, and was known in particular for his excellent technique, playmaking ability, and eye for goal from midfield. Considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation, Costa was a classic number 10, who usually played in a creative role as an attacking midfielder behind the strikers, but was also capable of playing as a deep-lying playmaker, as a second striker, or as a winger . A quick, intelligent, and hard-working player, throughout his career, he was renowned for his fine technique, dribbling skills, movement, great vision, and precise passing, which made him an excellent assist provider, and enabled him to create space for his teammates, or orchestrate his teams' attacking moves. In 2004, he was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100, as *one of the 125 greatest living football players*
Nicknamed "The Maestro", Costa spent the majority of his career with Benfica in Portugal and Fiorentina and *A.C. Milan in Italy.* In a top-flight career spanning 17 years, he won several trophies, including one Primeira Liga title, one Taça de Portugal , one Serie A title, three Coppa Italia , one UEFA Champions League title and one UEFA Super Cup . A Portuguese international, he amassed 94 caps and scored 26 goals for A Selecção and represented the country in three UEFA European Championships and one FIFA World cup.
*Milan career*
Fatih Terim was the coach of Fiorentina in the 2000-01 season . When he was leaving Fiorentina for Milan, he took Costa with him, paying a 85 billion lire
(€43.899 million) for the player. In so doing, *Costa became Milan's most expensive transfer of all-time.* He played five seasons in Milan, where he won one Serie A title, one Coppa Italia, one Italian Super Cup, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Super Cup. He played less frequently following the arrival of Brazilian youngster Kaká in 2003.
After leaving Milan he returned to Benfica, refusing his 4.6million dollars per year with Milan, as he was attached to Benfica & always spoke about a return. Costa played his final match on 11 May 2008 at the Estádio da Luz against Vitória de Setúbal . He was substituted in the 86th minute to a standing
ovation from the spectators.
*Director career*
On the following day after his final professional game, Costa was presented as the new director of football, hiring Quique Sánchez Flores as the new manager of Benfica and being responsible for the formation of the team in the next season.
He was famed & praised for hiring players such as Pablo Aimer, Antonio Reyes, David Suazo, Javier Saviola, Ramirez, Javi Garcia, and a host of other prominent players.
*Copied from Wikipedia*
*Compiled by Engr. Alugo*