23 October 2007, by Sean Gillen

Ton-up Figo eyes golden double for Inter Milan

Veteran completes 100 Champions League matches tonight

As Luis Figo prepares to make his 100th Champions League appearance against CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, the Inter Milan winger is hopeful that his final season in top level football will bring a memorable double for the Nerazurri.

A weekend win in Serie A against Reggina sees the champions remain on top in Italy, while Figo’s men remain favourites in their Champions League group, which sees them pitted against Fenerbahce, PSV and CSKA.

“This is an important stage of the season and we need to extend our lead as much as possible,” Figo told Corriere dello Sport.

“We have a team of champions, or rather two teams. I believe we can achieve a double triumph in my last season in football.

“We didn’t play great football against Reggina, but it was a tough pitch and it’s never easy to get a win after the international break.”

Pleasing milestone

As for the European milestone, Figo admits that he is proud to join the likes of Raul, Roberto Carlos, David Beckham, Paolo Maldini and Oliver Kahn on the list of players to rack up a centenary of matches in Europe’s premier club competition.

“It is the sign of a long career,” he said. “They are all players of huge experience, both for their clubs and national sides. To be among those great names is very pleasing.

“I feel very happy to have played and to continue to play on the great stages of European and World football. It is what I have worked for during my career.”