THE embraces were prolonged and heartfelt. The admiration and respect was mutual between Luis Figo and Paul Gascoigne.

In their pomp, they were two very different players. In retirement, they are two very different characters.

But the relationship between bona fide legends was clear to see on Saturday as some of the greatest names in the game strutted their stuff at Ibrox.

Figo would lead his World XI side to a 3-2 victory over a Rangers squad that included the likes of Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Barry Ferguson and Jorg Albertz.

It was the appearance of Gazza that sparked the biggest roar from an impressive 38,000 strong crowd, though, as he marked his return to Glasgow with a goal and a typical showman cameo.

The end result, of course, didn't matter in a game that was part of Rangers' 150th anniversary celebrations. But the day meant a lot to Figo as he was reunited with an old friend.

"I have known Paul a long time," Figo said. "He was very kind with me when I was starting and also during my career.

"We also met off the pitch in Portugal in the summer and I asked him to be part of some project I had in that time in my photo book.

"So I know him well and I’m very pleased that he is healthy and he has recuperated from what he was passing through. I was very pleased to see him and I was very happy to spend time with him.

"That is the spirit of ex professional players. It is in your blood that you want to win. Even if it a friendly or charity game you run because you want to get a result.

"In the end we know the result is not the most important thing but when you are on the pitch you forget everything and you want to perform your best.

"That should be the spirit with respect to the people who have come to watch this football game."

Figo was joined by Champions League winners and World Cup heroes as goals from Carlos Marchena, Nuno Gomes and Ricardo Quaresma clinched victory for the World XI.

The likes of Gheorghe Hagi, Roy Makaay and Kaka also pulled on their boots as the Rangers Charity Foundation and Luis Figo Foundation benefitted financially from the cash raised on an enjoyable afternoon at Ibrox.

Figo said: "It was a fantastic experience for me and it was a great day. It was great to have the chance to be in a full stadium with a great atmosphere.

"It’s not every day you get the chance to come back after so long and play in front of a full stadium. That was very emotional.

"I’m also very thankful to Glasgow Rangers to give us the chance to raise some pounds for our projects while also celebrating the anniversary of this historic club.

"I feel quite emotional and I want to say thank you to everyone, including the players who joined my team.

"These kind of events, they come for free and in this period of life we are passing through so many things. I am very happy."

Fans were given the chance to welcome back heroes of yesteryear and it was a day for families to gather as the sun shone and legends of the game showed that class is permanent.

And former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Milan superstar Figo was grateful for the support that his own charity received as he seeks to make a difference in the next stage of his life.

Figo said: "It was a great opportunity. I am very thankful for the opportunity to raise funds for our projects.

"These days, it is very difficult, not only for my foundation, but in general to get funds because everyone knows what is happening in the world.

"We will try to channel these funds to the different projects and the different areas that we work in, like health, sport and social integration. It is very nice to have that chance."