Luis Figo believes Portugal should be “very confident” of winning the Euros.
Portugal kick off their campaign against the Czech Republic on Tuesday and Roberto Martinez's men are being backed as potential champions. Figo insists they are one of half a dozen teams who can win the tournament this summer because of their blend of youth and experience.
The Portugal legend, an ambassador for the joint 2030 World Cup bid with Morocco and Spain, said: “Portugal has a strong team, with a good balance between very experienced players and the younger players just starting to establish themselves on an international level.
“Like the World Cup, it will come down to small moments, so it’s always difficult to predict, but Portugal are one of five or six teams which go into the tournament very confident they can win it, and why not? I’m really excited to see how far they can go.
“Portuguese football has a bright future. The current generation of players is incredibly talented, and through the great work of academies across the country, we have had a consistent pipeline of really talented young players.”
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Figo, 51, was part of Portugal’s Golden Generation and had an 18-year international career, winning 127 caps for the seniors. Portugal were hosts in 2004 and knocked England out back then and again two years later in the 2006 World Cup.
Figo helped to usher in a new optimism and hope for Portuguese football and now they have an outstanding squad with the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Joao Palhinha and, of course, Cristiano Ronaldo. Ex-Real Madrid star Figo says representing Portugal was the highlight of his career and has no doubt the current players will have the same pride.
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Figo said: “There is nothing quite like representing your country on an international stage. I never took for granted the honour of putting on the Portugal jersey.
“My experience started with the national team from young, when we were very successful, winning the U-16 European Championship and FIFA U-20 World Championships. It really felt like a breakthrough moment for football in Portugal. Every match was special and an opportunity to defend the colours of my country, but of course, the European Championship and the World Cup, hold a special significance.
“I was fortunate enough to play in three European Championships and two World Cups, each one a unique occasion that will stay with me forever.”
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to get his final Euros underway (Getty Images)Figo says Portugal hosting the Euros in 2004 was a career highlight and it is part of the reason why he believes their joint bid with Spain and Morocco for 2030 will be so exciting. FIFA confirmed them as the sole candidate last year but they are still putting together their plans with Figo insisting it will be a tournament to remember.
Figo said: “It was a unique moment in my career. Playing in front of a home crowd in such an important tournament is an unforgettable feeling. We felt a tremendous honour of representing 11 million people, at the same time showcasing our country to the world as a host nation.
“International championships are built around fine margins, small moments. That is probably what makes them the best football events in the world. In Portugal, hosting the World Cup in 2030 will bring the country together like never before. I believe that we will see Portuguese people of all ages, and all backgrounds, come together to deliver a truly incredible event.
“It will of course be a great opportunity to showcase Portugal to the world, and I’m excited about the potential to highlight all regions of our beautiful country.”
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* Figo was speaking in his capacity as bid ambassador for the Morocco/Portugal/Spain FIFA 2030 World Cup bid.
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