Figo: “With Mourinho Inter can win the Champions League”

Portuguese winger keen to play under compatriot

Portuguese veteran Luis Figo says he hopes to stay on at Inter, after confirming that countryman Jose Mourinho is set to take over at the San Siro.

The Italian champions appear to be on the verge of appointing the former Porto boss to replace Roberto Mancini. Indeed, months of speculation came to a head on Friday when Mourinho was spotted with Nerazurri owner Massimo Moratti in Paris.

Figo, who recently admitted that it would be unlikely he would stay with Inter if Mancini remained in charge, is now hopeful that the change in manager will lead to another year in Serie A for the Portuguese legend.

“Everybody knows about Mourinho’s appointment,” Figo revealed to Portuguese sports daily O Jogo. “I have already been informed of it by Inter.

“He can win the Champions League with this team and I would like to be a part of it, even if I still have not spoken to him about it. I don’t know where I will play next year. My contract expired in May but I want to play another year.”

Figo’s relationship with Mancini had been frosty for much of his time at the club, with the decision to offer the 35-year-old winger an extension to his contract last summer believed to have been made by Moratti and without the coach’s blessing.

“I get on well with Moratti,” Figo said. “I was in a situation (towards the end of the season) where I had to sit out, I had no choice. The change of trainer has, however, given me hope that I can once again be of use.”

Mourinho worked with Figo when on the coaching staff at Barcelona, but it remains to be seen whether the ‘Special one’ will find a place in his plans for his much decorated compatriot, ahead of what is likely to be a summer of heavy spending at the San Siro.