Luis Figo has insisted he will be taking corner kicks when Real Madrid visit his old club Barcelona on Saturday.

Figo was injured and missed last season’s derby in Camp Nou. The previous term, shortly after his controversial transfer from the Catalan capital to Madrid, he was pelted with missiles every time he went anywhere near the touchline and left the corner duties to team-mates.

Figo said: “I know that tensions were running high two years ago but that was nothing to do with football and I hope everyone appreciates that now. Taking corners is a normal part of the game and I intend to play as full a part in the match as I can.”

Figo said he did not expect Ronaldo to receive as hostile a reception because “Ronaldo has spent several years at Inter since leaving Barcelona. Certainly they’ll jeer and whistle him but I don’t think his situation is similar to mine two years ago.”
By Keir Radnedge