Figo:"It's time for Real Madrid stars to prove themselves"

Former Real Madrid winger Luis Figo has called upon the Blancos' big name players to prove themselves worthy of their prestigious reputations.

The former Portugal international, who became the world’s most expensive player when he left Barcelona for the Merengues in 2000 for a fee of £37 million, toldUefa.com Magazine, “I believe that Real Madrid is a big club with a great tradition that gives an added sense of prestige to their players.”

Figo went on to state that he counts the current Real Madrid side amongst the favorites for this season's Champions League, but admitted the current squad would have to start living up to their huge reputations.

“They are always amongst the favorites and have strengthened with big international names,” he said. “They just need to prove their worth on the pitch.”

Despite a home loss to AC Milan at the end of last year, Real Madrid qualified from their Champions League group without much trouble and will face French side Lyon in the round of 16.

Real Madrid to bid for Fabregas

Florentino Perez and Jorge Valdano have had discussions about making a £43 million offer for Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

The Sun reports that Barcelona are considering a £40m bid in the summer, but Los Merengues are ready to prevent the deal from happening by sweetening their offer with £25m-rated striker Gonzalo Higuain.

"The price demanded is £43m and that is what we are basing our calculations on," a Real insider told The Sun.

"This is 'Operation Cesc', which we hope will prove a blow to Barcelona."

La Blaugrana president Joan Laporta has in the past publically stated that he would like to bring Fabregas 'home' to Barcelona.

Higuain aims to score more goals

Gonzalo Higuain has been in good scoring form this season, but the Argentine said the best is yet to come.

Despite being on a roster that includes summer super signings Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and Karim Benzema,Higuain is currently Real’s top goal scorer in La Lagi with 10 strikes, and the speedy attacker who is only two goals behind leader David Villa of Valencia, is demanding from himself whenever he steps on the pitch.

“I hope every game I play is the best in my career at that moment, but I believe my best performances have yet to come. I don’t care about whom we face, Higuain told Uefa.com

“I just want Real Madrid to play well.”

Meanwhile, recent rumours have suggested that the forward could be heading to Arsenal in a swap for Cesc Fabregas, but Higuain reveals that he would love to end his career with the Spanish giants.

“It would be beautiful to end my career on this team,” he said. “Real Madrid and its city are my second home. It would be fantastic.

“I would like Madridistas to remember me as a humble and hard working person. Peopleremember you better when you win titles and they recall how you used to play. I would like to be remembered as being a great person.”

Higuain also thinks the Real side is still “growing as a team this season.”

Cristiano Ronaldo targetscr To Be The Best Player In History

Real Madrid talisman Cristiano Ronaldo has set his sights on recapturing the Ballon d'Or in 2010 and declared that he wants to go down as the greatest player in history.

Ronaldo relinquished the crown he won in 2008 to Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who also took over the title of FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009 but the Portuguese winger has his sights firmly set on returning to being recognised as the best footballer on the planet.

"I'm going to win the Ballon d'Or back, this year or next," he declared as quoted by Marca.

"I have an ambition to become the best player in history."

The 24-year-old also declared that his troublesome ankle, which kept him out of action for two months, is in good shape and will not require surgery.

"The ankle is fine and if not the Real Madrid doctors will see it right. I am sure I will not need an operation," he noted.