Intelligent, skilful and fiercely competitive, Luis Figo was the original footballing superstar from Portugal till Cristiano Ronaldo made the mantle his own. An unhurried Figo spoke to TOI in a snap interview...
Over two decades, he played more than 900 games, earned 127 caps, scored more than 150 goals and won eight league titles, a Champions League title and the Ballon d'Or. Luis Figo, Real Madrid's first Galactico, and currently UEFA ambassador, held forth on the new Champions League format, and his own experiences in the "best club competition in the world".
Excerpts...
What do you think about the new CL format?
I think clubs will have the opportunity to face a greater number of rivals. It also increases the chances of fans to see the best teams play each other more often in the early stage of the competition. It also leads to more competitive matches for all the clubs. The first 36 participating clubs play a league phase like in the current format. To give four more teams the opportunity to compete against the best clubs is one of the changes in the new format. The teams will play eight games in the new league phase. You will no longer play twice against three rivals but will face eight different teams.
Do you think Galacticos could have won more?
I think we won the Champions League in 2002 in Glasgow. Of course, not all Galacticos were together in that team. But it was the beginning of a big project from Real Madrid. It was my second season with Real Madrid. Real president Florentino Perez brought together the best football players in the world. But it's always difficult to blend so many big names and big talents. I think for us it was a great experience, not only because we had the chance to learn from each other, but also that we won almost everything.
With so many stars, egos who was the leader of the dressing room in Real Madrid?
The leader is one who knows the club history. At Real, I played under Fernando Hierro and Raul. I think they knew the values and the commitment that you should have in the club. If you talk about leader of the Galacticos, each one of us was a leader.
What's your most memorable Champions League moment?
I always dreamed to play in this competition since I was kid. So, the moment I got the chance to play in Champions League was memorable for me. Of course, the big moment is when you play a final and win. It is what you're going to remember forever. It happened in 2002. There are other moments too because I have played more than 100 Champions League games.
Will the Euros be Cristiano Ronaldo's last appearance in a major?
He is 39 now, so probably yes. But I think Cristiano is a machine, very competitive. He is already a big part of the history of the game. And for us, in Portugal, Cristiano is a very important player not only for the performance but to guide the young players to our goals. I think Portugal is one of my favourites because we have a very talented team and a good coach (Roberto Martinez). I feel that title race will be between Portugal, England, France and maybe Spain.
You've been emblematic for both Barcelona and Real Madrid? Who's your favourite?
I'm a supporter of Real Madrid but I respect Barcelona a lot. Also, for all the clubs that I have played for; they were very important in my career in different moments of my life. If you ask me now, between these two Spanish clubs, I support Real Madrid.
(Sony Sports Network has extended the exclusive broadcast and digital rights for UEFA club competitions till the end of the 2026-2027 season.)
