Figo backs Real and Barcelona for La Liga title
Former Portuguese international Luis Figo has said that Barcelona and Real Madrid will be evenly match in the fight for Spain's domestic title this season.
Figo, who spent five seasons at both Spanish clubs, said he believed either of his former teams could win La Liga this year.
"There will be two teams that will vie to win the league, Barcelona and Real Madrid, and both teams also have the objective of Europe," the former Portgual captain said at a corporate event on Wednesday. "Anything can happen in this regard. When there is always a lot of quality, any team can defeat the other, but in terms of winning regularly, it will only be Barca and [Real] Madrid."
Figo thus discounted the challenges posed by other Spanish teams such as Valencia and Atletico Madrid, saying that Barcelona and Real still have teams of far superior quality.
“It will not be very different from the past, because these two remain ahead of the other teams.”
In 163 appearances for Real, Figo scored 38 goals, playing alongside the likes of Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, Zinedine Zidane, Roberto Carlos and David Beckham. During Figo's time at the club, Real claimed one Spanish league title and the Champions League in 2002.
Between 1995 and 2000, the Portuguese won La Liga twice with Barcelona, whose fans turned on him after his £39 million move to the Spanish capital in 2000.
Mourinho positive for Real
Figo also spoke about the arrival of his countryman Jose Mourinho at Real, who transferred to the Spanish club after leading Inter Milan to three trophies last season.
“He will bring his characteristics as a person and also as a coach. He will bring the winning spirit to Real Madrid. He is a great communicator, a great coach, a person who is honest with his dressing room, and is a winner.”
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