Luis Figo has praised Real Madrid captain Raul and also spoken of the relationship with his former clubs.

Figo, who announced his retirement last year after a four-year spell with Inter Milan, has also represented Real Madrid and Barcelona, and therefore enjoyed the privilege of representing three of the strongest clubs in Europe.

The 36-year old, who currently lives with his family in Madrid, maintained in an interview with Onda Cero and Radio Marca that he had good memories from each of these stints.

Figo also praised his former teammate and close friend Raul.

"There will be some who are trying to rebuild the team who will surely want him to retire, but they will not succeed. He is stronger than all of them. If he were in my team, he would always play."

"He is a phenomenon, one of the best, and I just hope that the club take better care of him next year," he insisted.

Figo had earlier criticized Madrid boss Florentino Perez, but did not reiterate this in the recent interview.

"At least Florentino's philosophy is consistent and he continues to sign big players. I only hope that the results will follow on the pitch."

"Logically, you always want the best players in the world in your team, although that does not always guarantee results.

Asked about the transfer of his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo, Figo said he thinks Ronaldo "would do well at Madrid".

Figo further went on to speak about his relationship with Real and Barcelona.

"If I were a Madrid socio [member], I will not go to the stadium's VIP theatre box but I will always go to the stadium," he said, praising the spirit of the fans.

"It would be the same with Barcelona. If my good friend Pep [Guardiola] invited me to go, I will happily be there. There won't be any problems."

Figo's transfer from the Nou Camp to arch-rivals Madrid angered many Catalan fans, and his switch to Inter five years later was not smooth either.

"I could have continued with Madrid, but the club board did not leave me with any choice. As I felt that I was never given the appropriate contract, I thought it was better to continue my career elsewhere" Figo explained about his move to Milan.

"But what really bothered me was that after five years there, I was not able to say goodbye to the people [of Madrid]."

Figo added that he intends to stick to his previous statement that he would like to return to Inter at some point in a coaching role.

"It was necessary to determine what was best for the club and I believe that I will continue to maintain international relations with Inter, as it is something that I can do from here in Madrid where I will reside with my family."

"The relationship between me and the Moratti family is excellent."