Figo played with Beckham at Real Madrid before he moved on to Inter Milan last season when he found himself largely surplus to requirements at the Spanish giants.

"David's a very good friend of mine," the 33-year-old told a press conference at the Portuguese training camp here on Thursday.

"I spent a good time with him in Madrid. I respect him as a player and I don't pay attention to his critics.

"He always gives his best for his country. He's the captain of England and one of the best players we have in football at the moment."

But Figo, whose last meeting with England was not such a happy one for him personally even though Portugal won the Euro 2004 quarterfinal as he was substituted by Luiz Felipe Scolari, warned those sentiments would be put to one side come the weekend and a game that will see the winner play a mouth-watering semifinal against either Brazil or France.

"I just expect that on Saturday night I'll be more happy than him," smiled the Portuguese midfielder.