Figo: Inter fine without Jose

Luis Figo has described Rafa Benitez’s departure from Inter Milan as ‘very sad’, but says the club does not miss ex-manager Jose Mourinho.

Benitez’s drawn-out exit from the reigning Serie A champions was confirmed on Thursday, with a relationship breakdown with owner Massimo Moratti just six months into his tenure said to be the main reason for the split.

Now retired, Figo operates as an ambassador for Inter, with who he finished a distinguished playing career that also took in stints at Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon.

“Apparently there have been some speculations about Benitez dismissal,” Figo told Reuters at an event promoting a charity match raising money for the foundations of he and Real Madrid goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

“It has been a decision of the institution. It is very sad it has been like this but we thought it was the better for the future of the club.”

But despite Benitez’s short stint at the helm, Figo denies his club misses former manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho is now in charge at Real Madrid, having left Inter after leading the club to the Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League titles in the 2009/10 season.

“Mourinho left a very good work in Inter but he is from the past,” Figo said.

“I think that a club could not depend only on one person. Inter have a very strong structure. It is a club that still winning and as I have said could not depend only on one coach a player or a manager.”