Costa keeps quiet on reason she quit Clermont

PARIS (AP) Helena Costa, who quit suddenly this week from her post as the first woman to coach a men's professional football team in France, is not divulging her reasons for leaving Clermont-Ferrand.

At a brief news conference on Tuesday, Costa said that ''I continue to believe in my work'' and even expressed hope that ''other opportunities will come.''

The 36-year-old Portuguese coach arrived at the French second division club six weeks ago to great fanfare.

She said she had discussed ''lots of points'' with Clermont present Claude Michy, then ''I took my decision.''

Michy was quoted by the daily Le Parisien as saying, ''She leaves with her secret.''