Luis Figo didn’t hesitate when naming the one England legend he wishes he played with for Real Madrid

Luis Figo didn’t hesitate when naming the one England legend that he wishes he was able to play alongside for Real Madrid.

Portugal legend Figo infamously made the ‘forbidden’ move between the two El Clasico rivals in 2000, leaving Barca to join Real.

The backlash from Barca fans at the time was incomprehensible to what today’s reaction to such a move might be, but Figo went on to enjoy five successful years with Real before ending his playing career with Inter Milan.

During his time at the Bernabeu, Figo played alongside some of the stars of the ‘Galacticos’ era under president Florentino Perez, including Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.

In terms of England internationals, David Beckham, Steve McManaman and Michael Owen all played alongside him at Real as well.

But Figo wishes that he had been able to play alongside another England star during his time in Spain – Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.

Gerrard once revealed that he turned down Real Madrid in 2010 when Jose Mourinho had recently taken charge, but Figo had left Los Blancos five years previously.

There was interest from Real Madrid earlier in his career, and Gerrard also rejected a move to Chelsea in 2004, but he never played in the famous white – and sometimes gold – shirt.

Figo and Gerrard would play against each other, however, including in a Liverpool Legends vs Real Madrid Legends clash in March 2017.

Speaking after that match, Figo said: “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.

“I think Gerrard showed in his career he was one of the best footballers in his position. It was a pity [that we couldn’t play together], but for Liverpool it was lucky because he could show his quality and talent here, at Anfield.”