Figo regrets not playing with Gerrard at Real
Figo said he wished Steven Gerrard had played alongside him at Real Madrid after watching the former Liverpool captain star in Saturday’s charity match at Anfield.
Gerrard, who at 36 was one of the youngest players on show, was in sparkling form as a Liverpool Legends beat their Real Madrid counterparts 4-3 in a charity match for the Liverpool Football Club Foundation.
At the peak of his career, Gerrard — won the Champions League with Liverpool — was a target for some of the world’s leading clubs.
Yet he remained loyal to hometown club Liverpool until opting to go to Los Angeles. Even Real showed interested in him.
Figo, however, was in no doubt that Gerrard would have held his own among the ‘Galaticos’ in the celebrated Real team of his time in Madrid.
“The moment in life when we had the possibility to play together, that wasn’t possible. I think it is a pity because everyone wants to play with the best,” the Portuguese star said.
“I think Gerrard showed in his career he was one of the best footballers in his position. It was a pity but for Liverpool it was lucky because he could show his quality and talent here, at Anfield.”
ROONEY STILL HAS A ROLE TO PLAY: SCHOLES
England’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney can still play an useful role for both his country and club Man United, his former teammate Paul Scholes told the BBC on Sunday.
“Wayne has been a sensational footballer for England and Manchester United for nearly 15 years. He is greatly respected and I still think he has a part to play with United and England,” the 42-year-old told the BBC.
“He has great experience, he can pass knowledge on to young players and it’s up to Gareth if and when he wants to use it. I don’t want to talk about him going to another English club, I hope he gets himself back into the United team.”
BALE COULD HAVE BROKEN MY LEG: O’SHEA
DUBLIN: Republic of Ireland veteran John O’Shea believes he was fortunate to avoid a broken leg after being fouled by Gareth Bale during his side’s bruising against Wales.
Skipper Seamus Coleman sustained a sickening double leg break during Friday’s 0-0 draw.
Bale had earlier escaped with a yellow card after catching O’Shea high on the left leg and the Sunderland defender revealed the injury had required stitches.
“I was lucky considering what has happened to Seamus,” O’Shea told reporters.
FIGO, HOWEVER, WAS IN NO DOUBT THAT GERRARD WOULD HAVE HELD HIS OWN AMONG THE ‘GALATICOS’ IN THE CELEBRATED REAL TEAM OF HIS TIME IN MADRID