Luis Figo on El Clasico memories, Mbappe criticism & Portugal's World Cup hopes

You featured in 26 Clasicos. What stand out as your favourite moments?

"The highlights for me are the victories, no matter if it was for Barca or Real Madrid (laughs). Everything else fades away!"

A lot of Barca supporters believe you hit your highest form there. Is that accurate?

"People can have their views (smiles). The key thing is your performance on the pitch, and ultimately, your side coming out on top."

What is your view on Kylian Mbappe’s campaign this year? He has faced plenty of backlash recently.

"He remains among the top talents globally. The number of goals he has netted this term is astonishing. However, one must factor in how the squad as a whole is faring. Should he keep scoring at that rate and his club lifts silverware, the evaluation shifts entirely.

"During his debut year, he began a touch unevenly as he adjusted to fresh surroundings and a different competition. Yet, soon enough, he delivered the standard anticipated from someone of his calibre."

He looks up to Cristiano Ronaldo. Could he match his achievements at Real Madrid?

"Who can say, I lack a way to see the future (smiles). Regardless, given his skills... Still, we are discussing the identical team across varying periods with distinct lineups. Comparing athletes from separate times is always challenging. To hit those heights, though, he needs to secure major honours."

Jude Bellingham enjoyed a brilliant beginning at Real Madrid, netting vital strikes, including a brace in the Clasico at Montjuic. Lately, his form has dipped. What are your thoughts?

"This term has been demanding for him, chiefly due to multiple injuries. Those setbacks halted his momentum. Returning from extended breaks feels like beginning anew. That has been his primary hurdle."

Has he suffered from shifts in tactics, with several teammates gravitating leftward?

"It is not straightforward, and players must learn to position themselves effectively to maximise their contribution. He is still a remarkable talent, yet competing for a giant like that without a trophy in two years ramps up the pressure. It affects the entire group."

You frequently operated from the flank at Barca, so you understand the role. What is your assessment of Marcus Rashford’s influence?

"He got an opportunity at Barcelona and performed solidly. He displayed his complete skill set. We will find out shortly if he remains and earns more minutes, although that is not solely his decision."

Were you in Deco’s position, would you retain him?

(Laughs) "Deco possesses far greater expertise than me!"

Talk of Jose Mourinho making a comeback to Real Madrid is building. Your take?

"You should consult Real Madrid’s chairman (smiles). He is a close companion, and I have seen him in various capacities (such as interpreter and aide at Barca). I am delighted whenever he ranks among the elite managers."

The intensity of games has evolved significantly, even from your playing days, which were not so distant. More goals are coming late on. What has altered?

"I am unaware of the precise figures, but perhaps exhaustion leads to more errors, despite athletes being in peak condition nowadays. Also, fixtures extend further with extended stoppage time compared to earlier.

"Moreover, teams can make five changes, and game situations might naturally produce additional scoring chances."

The World Cup approaches in mere weeks. The 2006 one was your final major outing with Portugal, ending in the semi-finals.

"Indeed, that lingers as a sore point. It was fiercely competitive, with numerous intense encounters. We accumulated many bookings too (23 in total), which hindered us."

There was that quarter-final penalty shootout triumph over England.

"What a struggle (laughs). Several cautions flew (two per team) plus a red card (Wayne Rooney, 62nd minute). It did not showcase the sport at its finest."

You were so near to reaching the final.

"We delivered some superb showings, but... we met France once more. That remains a tough recollection for our cohort, given we always fell short against them. Such is the nature of the game."

The coming World Cup appears wide open. Who do you fancy to lift the trophy?

"True, numerous contenders will emerge, similar to past events. Success demands star performers plus fortune, particularly based on opponents drawn.

"Leading the pack, I would select sides versed in deep runs, including Brazil, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, and France, whose depth allows them to field two full squads, which is remarkable."