Luis Figo has made his UEFA Champions League predictions and believes that Inter ‘have what it takes’ to go all the way.
The former Nerazzurri star was talking to Gazzetta dello Sport about the mouth watering semi-final showdown against Barcelona.
Simeone Inzaghi’s side will meet the Catalan giants in Spain next week before the return leg at the San Siro on May 6, 2025.
Figo famously played for both European giants during his hugely successful club career. The former Portugal winger lifted six league titles across both teams and also won the Ballon d’Or in 2000.
Four of those came in succession at Inter between 2006-2009. That meant he just missed out on winning the treble under Jose Mourinho in 2010.
Figo did win the Champions League when he played for Real Madrid. Los Blancos beat Bayer Leverkusen 2-1 at Hampden Park when Zinedine Zidane scored his sensational volley.
Luis Figo On Inter’s UCL Chances, Barcelona Showdown And Predicted 2025 Winner
“It’s too hard to identify a favourite in a Champions League semifinal,” Luis Figo said ahead of Inter’s showdown against Barcelona.
“Both teams are having an incredible season, they are still running on three fronts. I support Inter and I hope everything goes well.”
The Nerazzurri were Figo’s last club before he hung up his boots in 2009. He spent four seasons at the San Siro and five at the Nou Camp between 1995-2000.
Figo was quick to praise the work current Barca boss Hansi Flick has done since taking over. Especially with the Catalan giants still gunning for the treble.
“He’s doing a great job, just as he did at Bayern. He has adapted quickly and very naturally. He’s brought confidence back to Raphinha and Lewandowski. When players feel confident, they perform at their best and even beyond.”
Naturally, Gazzetta dello Sport couldn’t let Figo go without talking about global sensation Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old will be vital to Barca’s chances.
“Aside from his talent and quality, what surprises me are the calmness and personality he shows at his age,” Figo said.
“Maybe when you’re young, you don’t really think about responsibility and what you represent; you just want to have fun. His teammates should follow his example and learn how he manages to shake off all the pressure.”
Figo then went on to explain who he believes will win the Champions League this season. The former Portugal star says Inter have it in them to go all the way, but named another semi-finalist as his favourite.
“PSG, after struggling in Europe at the start of the season, they’re collecting very positive results and they are in great physical shape, but it’s always hard to make a prediction.”
When quizzed on Inter’s chances, Figo said: “I hope they can go all the way; they have what it takes.”
