Spain He did not hold back when asked

Luis Figo did not hold back and was adamant that Catalonia should remain part of Spain when asked about the politically sensitive topic.

The Portuguese is a particularly divisive player in Spain having been a much-loved Barcelona player who then left for bitter enemies Real Madrid in 2000 as part of a election pledge from Florentino Perez.

"Catalonia is Spain," he said.

"I know Spain and Catalonia is Spain, it is part of Spain. We are at the moment all living together and that is how it should be."

He did not agree though with an unlikely union between Spain and Portugal.

"Portugal has always been an nation that is independent of Spain and I don't think there will be any union with Spain," Figo explained.

"We are part of the Iberian peninsula and we have excellent relations but each country is different."

Meanwhile, looking to the championship race, although Barcelona are clear at the top of the table, Figo believes there is still time for Real Madrid to catch them.

"Barcelona have the advantage at the moment but LaLiga has a long way to go and there are still a lot of games to be played," he pointed out.

"Madrid can't afford to drop many more points if they are not to drop down the table. Real Madrid are a tough side and they will be there until the end."