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United need to thank me for Portuguese stars

Related Topics: Portugal, Luís Figo, Paulo Futre

An extraordinarily gifted winger, the 59-year-old was instrumental in Atletico Madrid knocking the Reds out of the European Cup-Winners' Cup in 1992, scoring twice in the home leg in Spain, and also represented the biggest three clubs in his homeland - Sporting, Porto and Benfica.

What is more, Futre also had a short, but memorable, stint in the Premier League with West Ham United in 1996/97.

But it was his first move abroad, to Atletico in 1987, that he explained was a critical one because it paved the way for others to follow him.

At the time, after starring for Porto, and sparkling in their European Cup final win over Bayern Munich, the skilful wide man wanted to embark on a fresh challenge.