28 May 2007, by Sean Gillen

Figo signs off in style

Inter 3-0 Torino

Luis Figo scored from the penalty spot in what could be his last game in top-level football as champions Inter signed off their Serie A campaign with a comfortable 3-0 home win over Torino.

The Portuguese winger was handed a start at the San Siro as the Nerazurri prepared to receive the Scudetto trophy in front of their fans. Defender Marco Materazzi scored the opening goal from the penalty spot after Massimo Taibi brought down Mariano Gonzalez, and Inter went into the break 1-0 up.

Brazilian defender Maicon doubled the lead on the hour with a superb effort, cutting in from the right and taking on two defenders before firing across Massimo Taibi with his left foot into the bottom corner.

Inter were awarded a second spot-kick just one minute later and Materazzi stepped aside to allow Figo the opportunity to score what could be his last goal for the club. Taibi went the right way, but Figo’s penalty was well hit and spun out of the goalkeeper’s reach and inside the left-hand post.

Figo was later given a standing ovation by the 67,000 strong crowd as he was substituted in the 73rd minute, and was quick to mention, in his post-match interview, his deep feelings for the club he joined two years ago from Real Madrid.

“Inter will always be in my heart, whether I am here or not,” he said. “They will always be favourites to win in Italy and Europe.”

“This adventure began two years ago, and they have been two fantastic years. It is always difficult to say I am leaving, because of the affection the fans have always had for me, but I do not want to talk about the future now because we are celebrating a Scudetto the club has deserved to win.”

“Will I stay at Inter? It is hard to make a decision. These have been two fantastic years in Milan. The affection of the fans counts a lot, but it’s not the only thing.”

“I came to Inter to help the team and do my best job on the pitch, and quite honestly the first few months of this year were not easy. However, I feel good physically and this is very important when playing at a high level.”

“We will see. This week I will decide together with those who are closest to me.”

Inter:
Toldo; Maicon, Cordoba, Materazzi, Maxwell (Recoba 46); Figo (Solari 74), Stankovic, Cambiasso, Zanetti; Mariano Gonzalez (Choutos 79), Crespo

Torino:
Taibi (Fontana 66); Comotto, Brevi, Franceschini, Balestri; Rosina, De Ascentis, Di Loreto (Abbruscato 85), Barone, Obgonna (Martinelli 46); Muzzi

Goals:
[1-0] Materazzi, 13 (pen)
[2-0] Maicon, 60
[3-0] Figo, 61 (pen)