Former Sporting and Real Madrid star reflects on his time with two of Europe's giants

The 2001 World Player of the Year, Luís Figo, was one of the much sought after pundits ahead of this Wednesday's Champions League encounter between Sporting and Real Madrid, having represented both clubs.

Figo opened with a reflection on the Alvalade youth system: "Great players are made there. When I was there the idol was Futre. Next it was me, Simão, Cristiano and Nani. I was there from the age of 12 to 22 and I learnt everything at Sporting."

Figo also spoke about his time with Sporting as a professional: "It was a brilliant team! Balakov, Juskowiak. Then after that Paulo Sousa, Pacheco, Luisinho, Venâncio… I also played with Carlos Manuel, Douglas and even Rijkaard. I have a photograph with him as well. I had coaches like Bobby Robson, Queiroz."