Persistent injury problems and the 1997 diagnosis of multiple sclerosis led to a 2001 retirement, still with the Lisbon club (he contributed with 11 matches and one goal in the team's Primeira Liga conquest the previous year).
The prolonged injury issues and the 1997 multiple sclerosis diagnosis prompted a retirement from the Lisbon club in 2001. In his final season, he contributed with 11 appearances and one goal to the team's Primeira Liga victory.