LISBON, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese midfielder Rui Costa has quit the Italian Serie A side AC Milan to return to Benfica where he started his career, a spokesman for Benfica said Thursday.

    Portugal's sports press said the player, who had one year left with AC Milan, had signed a one-year deal with Benfica with the option of an extension for another year.

    "I am very pleased to be welcomed by fans, to see that Benfica players are happy about the possibility of my return," Rui Costa told reporters as he arrived at Lisbon's airport on Tuesday.

    Rui Costa joined Fiorentina from Benfica in 1994 after three seasons with the Lisbon team. He signed a five-year contract with AC Milan in July 2001 in a deal worth 33 million euros (40 milliondollars) which he later extended until 2007.

    The player, who has for years said he would like to end his career at Benfica, retired from international football after Euro 2004 which hosts Portugal lost to Greece in the final. Enditem