30 April 2007, by Sean Gillen

Inter fans force Figo to rethink retirement plans

Portuguese legend set to quit top-level football but…

Luis Figo says winning the Serie A title is the perfect way to sign off at Inter Milan ahead of his summer move to the Middle East, despite pleas from the Nerazurri fans for him to stay at the San Siro.

The veteran Portuguese winger is expected to move to Saudi Arabia at the end of the current season, but the Inter supporters have been putting pressure on both the player and the club to delay the switch for another year.

Chants of ‘stay in Milan, Luis Figo stay in Milan’ rang out from the Inter fans during the weekend match with Empoli, but the former Sporting, Barcelona and Real Madrid star says he is unlikely to change his mind.

“It’s hard for me to say no to them, I think it all would have been a lot easier if I were five years younger,” said Figo of the fans’ actions.

“Right now I’m thinking of quitting top-level football. I have made a decision and it’s difficult to go back on it. I would really like to stay because I have been very happy at Inter, and I should thank all the Inter people for this. But like I have just said, if I were a few years younger it would be easier to continue to play here. I don’t know, it’s all very difficult.”

“Winning the Scudetto? For me this would be the best way possible to leave top-level football. I came here saying I wanted to win the title and now I’m happy to see all these people celebrating.”

“I must thank all the people that have always demonstrated great affection to me in these two years. For sure, winning this Scudetto is the best way to end my time here.”