Reported Liverpool target Luis Figo has decided to return to the international fold with Portugal and has been named in the squad for their qualifier against Slovakia next month.
The Real Madrid "Galactico" had called it a day internationally last summer when his country failed to win the European Championship in their own country.
The Portuguese Football Federation had said through president Gilberto Madail that they were eager for him to return for his country, and he dropped a hint himself he was ready to return. Now the federation’s website has confirmed the news that he’s back again.
Figo’s inclusion in the squad will be a boost for Portugal who currently top Group Three on goal difference from Slovakia. If they beat them in Lisbon then it will make qualifying for the German finals much easier.
Earlier this month Liverpool’s Rafa Benitez was asked about Figo, and avoided a straight-forward denial that Liverpool wanted the winger. He said: "You can talk about many names, I prefer not to do that. But in Spain at the moment all the agents are trying to increase the value of their players by saying that Liverpool are interested in them. Always we want good players, but for now we are looking at the games for the present rather than players for the future." Various reports are saying Liverpool have been in advanced talks with the player, but his salary could prove to be the biggest stumbling block to a move.