Figo: My life isn’t Barca or Madrid

Luis Figo insists he doesn’t live or die with Real Madrid or Barcelona and takes no pleasure in the Catalans’ current struggles.

Barca have gone from 10 points clear at the top of La Liga to level with Atletico Madrid and only a point ahead of Los Blancos, Figo having discussed how such dips in form can take place, and taken issue with the idea he wants to see La Blaugrana stumble amid his fractious relationship with his former club.

“I don’t normally speak to the Catalan Press…I’m not glad for the defeat of others, it doesn’t bring me happiness,” he said, AS reports.

“I’m a sportsman, I have nothing against Barca but [the Catalan Press] have something against me. I had five wonderful years there. I left for sporting and economic reasons and the lack of recognition. Honestly, on Saturday I played golf, on Sunday I played golf, and my life doesn’t depend on Barca or Madrid. I’m happier doing other things.”

Figo did however play with the respective Coaches, Luis Enrique at Barca and Zinedine Zidane at Madrid and considered their work.

“People recognise the work by results. It’s not fair but unfortunately that’s how it is. I don’t know Zidane the Coach, only by results and I hope he does well,” Figo commented.

“It’s the players who have to endure the pressure. The Coach has his role and at this time has to have personality and at the same time the cool head to decide in the important moments.”

Figo also praised Diego Simeone, who has taken Atletico Madrid level on points with Barca in search of a second title in three years.

“Atletico were already having a fantastic season. They’ve done a wonderful job and now they’re the team with the most options. They should be praised for the work they’re doing,” he said.

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