Figo fired up for Sporting chance

Real deal
"This time it will be for real," said the 33-year-old Inter midfielder. "It will be a UEFA Champions League game and therefore we will find a completely different atmosphere compared to the friendly game. Sporting are strong opponents in a very difficult and balanced group. However, we want to win the UEFA Champions League and to do so we have to beat every opponent, even the most difficult."

Huge honour
Figo, who played with Sporting until 1995, admitted his heart is still with the club where he started his career. "It was huge honour for me to take part in that [centenary] celebration," he said. "It was a beautiful night in a stadium that has been 'mine' for many years. Now, however, I play for Inter and I only want to help my side to qualify for the next stage."

No comeback
After the friendly game at the José Alvalade stadium, speculation grew in the Portuguese media about a permanent homecoming for Figo, but the former FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF player says he is happy at Inter. "It's way too early to speak about a possible return to Portugal," he said. "I have another year of contract at Inter and I want to honour it. My family is happy in Milan. Sporting will always be my club, whether I return to play there or not."

Good start
Figo had a fine first season at Inter and coach Roberto Mancini is now trying him in a free role just behind the forwards. Figo has adapted quickly and scored the deciding goal in the 4-3 win against AS Roma which earned Inter the Italian Super Cup. "The coach decides where I play," an unruffled Figo said. "In the middle or in the flanks it makes no difference for me, I'm just happy to play."

Winning mentality
With Juventus demoted to Serie B and AC Milan starting the season with an eight-point deduction, Inter are widely considered favourites to retain the title they were awarded this summer, but Figo believes his team-mates will always be expected to succeed. "In a team like Inter, you always have to win - not only this year," he said. "Every player goes on to the pitch with the same mentality. We are trying to win every game we play. There is not much difference with the previous seasons. We want to win the Scudetto and the UEFA Champions League. We are a strong side but now we have to prove it on the pitch."