Luis Figo remains a controversial figure in the eyes of Barcelona fans, with his infamous transfer from the Catalan giants to Real Madrid still fresh in many minds.

But ahead of the highly anticipated Copa del Rey final and a decisive league encounter between his two former clubs, the Portuguese legend offered a more diplomatic stance, praising both teams and even lauding young Barcelona talent Lamine Yamal.

When asked about the upcoming clashes, Figo kept things light and ambiguous. “Who is going to beat whom? We’ll see,” he said with a touch of irony, refusing to pick a side in what could be season-defining matches.

Praise for Lamine Yamal

Figo praised Lamine Yamal. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Interestingly, he singled out 17-year-old Lamine Yamal as the perfect role model for players facing high-pressure fixtures.

“He is the best. Everyone should be like him, the way he approaches this type of match,” Figo explained, highlighting the teenager’s maturity and fearlessness.

Figo then reflected on the magnitude of a Clásico Cup final, saying, “It’s a Clasico, a Cup final, two teams that dominate Spanish football. One will arrive better than the other in spirits, but the result is unpredictable.”

Warning Barcelona

Beyond domestic matters, Figo turned his attention to Barcelona’s Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan. Despite many labelling the Serie A side as defensively rigid, Figo issued a warning.

Figo warned Barcelona of Inter’s threat. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

“They are two teams of a different style, but Simone Inzaghi’s team not only has a defensive plan; whoever thinks like that is wrong.”

Surprisingly, Figo also took time to commend Hansi Flick. Despite earlier questions about whether the German would adapt to the club’s identity and philosophy, Figo admitted, “He is doing phenomenal.

“My doubt was how he could integrate into the club, into a philosophy that I know well, into how Barcelona plays. Although the truth is that he is doing a phenomenal job.”

When asked if Barcelona could complete a historic treble, the former Ballon d’Or winner did not dismiss the possibility: “Well, they have that possibility, don’t they?”

Source: SPORT