Medford retires after Costa Rica exit

Updated: Friday June 14, 2002 06:46 p.m. ET

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica, June 14 (Reuters) - Three Costa Rica players have ended their international careers after their team's exit from the World Cup, local media reports said on Friday.

Forward Hernan Medford, captain and goalkeeper Erick Lonnis and midfielder Wilmer Lopez told La Nacion newspaper they had quit after Costa Rica's 5-2 defeat to Brazil on Thursday.

"I gave the national team everything for 15 years. There were happy moments and sad moments, but it's time to go," Medford, 34, told La Nacion.

"I think the time has come to step aside and let others in," said 30-year-old Lopez.

The Costa Rica squad are scheduled to return home on Saturday.

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