Portuguese international playmaker Luis Figo is dreaming of a Real Madrid victory in the European Champions League next season alongside new signing Zinedine Zidane in a final to match the historic 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in 1960 at the same ground of Hampden Park in Glasgow.

"There are many good teams in Europe and as always it will be difficult to win, but I do know that we have the players to win the competition if we play to our best," the 29-year-old told AFP.

"It would be a dream to emulate players such as Di Stefano, Puskas and Gento," Figo said.

The May 15, 2002 final will be played at Hampden Park where Puskas scored four and Di Stefano three as Real swept aside Eintracht Frankfurt in a classic encounter.

"Real Madrid supporters always want success and I believe the new signings will help us attain success, especially when you sign players like Zidane," said the European footballer of the year.

Figo, who lost his tag as 'the world's most expensive player' when his 56million dollars transfer from Barcelona last year was eclipsed by the 64.9million paid to Juventus for Zidane on July 9, did not seem too peeved.

"I think he is a truly great player and a great signing for the club and I look forward to playing with him on the pitch," said the Portuguese midfielder.

"I respect (Zidane) the same as my other team-mates." The Portuguese star, who honeymooned in Dubai this month with his bride, Swedish model Helen Svedin, also hopes to win the Liga again in Real's 100th anniversary year.

But he has plans for Portugal too. "I am confident that we can qualify although both the Republic of Ireland and Holland will feel the same about their own chances."

Figo, who was inspirational for Portugal in Euro 2000 as they reached the semi-finals before going out to France, believed that the national side could rise to the challenge of the 2002 World Cup after years of underperforming.

"I believe we can still produce the excellence required but it is more difficult at the top level," Figo admitted in written answers received Monday to AFP questions.

"However we feel that for a small country of just over 10 million we are doing well. We will of course try to succeed in the World cup and Euro 2004 in our own country."

Figo said he would leave any thought of retirement till after the Euro 2004 tournament. "I think I will make a decision after that event (Euro 2004) but if I am fit and the coach believes I have a role to play, I will consider my position."