Former Barcelona and Real Madrid winger, Luis Figo was in India to launch the Premier Futsal League Tournament which will begin on July 15th. At the event, he spoke on a wide range of subjects including his thoughts on compatriot, Jose Mourinho’s future and former team, Real Madrid.
About instability of managers at Real Madrid
Well when you play, you always think that the results will be positive. You never think about how long a manager will stay at the club. That is always the decision of the president and directors. When you are a player, you play, do your best and think that the year will be positive. You don’t think about who will be the next coach.
About playing with players better than Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi during his time
Well that depends on what you write in my answer. What I said before was I have probably played with players better or the same quality as Cristiano and Messi. That is normal, I have played with Ronaldo, Zidane, Rivaldo and so many big names that in that moment, in that generation, these were the players who made history in football.
Possible plans on opening a youth academy in India
“Yes I am looking for investors”, he joked. But on a serious note, off course we have to try to build conditions for the kids to have an opportunity to play football in their life if they love it. I have just arrived in India but over the past two years I have opened a few academies in China.
We’ve grown really fast; we are in fourteen cities right now and have forty Portuguese coaches in these different cities. So anything can happen. I can’t say yes or no right now. There is nothing planned right now.
Champions League favorites
For me, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern are the favorites to win the Champions League. They have more experience and history in this competition. This helps a lot. They are the best teams in the competition.
Mourinho’s future and possible stint as the Portugal national team coach
Well to Jose, I wish him all the best because he is a good friend and a top coach. One of the best. For sure, one day he will coach the national team. When? Depends if the job is free and a lot of other things.
