Figo blasts Madrid coach

Real Madrid star Luis Figo criticized coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo on Wednesday for not notifying him of his omission for the last two games.

''I deserve to know from the person in charge if I'm going to play or not and not learn from the press,'' Figo was quoted by news agency Efe. ''It's the least I ask.''

Luxemburgo left Figo on the bench for Madrid's game with Spanish league leader FC Barcelona on April 10. It was the first time that Figo, who has played for both Spanish powerhouses, had been dropped for a Madrid-Barcelona clash since he arrived in Spain in 1995.

The Portuguese midfielder, European player of the year in 2000 and world player of the year in 2001 also sat out Madrid's visit to Levante a week later.

''I'm sufficiently humble to respect the coach's decisions and those who are in the team,'' Figo said. ''What disappointed me was the manner.''

Madrid is second in the Spanish league, six points behind FC Barcelona with six matches to play.

If it fails to catch Barcelona, the team will end the season without a major trophy for the second straight year.

Figo, who has one year left on his contract, rebuffed Spanish media reports that he may be moved in the off-season.

''Since I came here, my attitude has been exemplary and it will be so until June 30, 2006. Contracts should be honoured,'' Figo said.

Figo said his omission from Madrid's side may persuade him to return to the Portuguese national team. He retired from international soccer after last year's European Championship.

''I left the national team . . . to devote myself to my club,'' he said. ''As I'm not playing, my feelings are a little different.''