Luis Figo pledged yesterday to restore Fifa’s reputation if he is elected president in May by rebuilding the governing body’s credibility.

The 42-year-old former Portugal international and world footballer of the year unveiled his manifesto at a press conference held at Wembley Stadium.

While outlining a range of proposals, the only former player standing against serving president Sepp Blatter stressed his priority is to repair an image seen by many as being tarnished.

“In the recent months and even years, I have seen the image of Fifa deteriorate,” Figo said.

“I speak to many people in football — players, managers and association presidents — and they have told me something has to be changed.

“I agree with them and this is why I want to become Fifa president. I’m not the kind of man who sits aside and refuses to act.

“I want a new style of leadership of Fifa that can restore transparency, co-operation and solidarity.

“In my manifesto I have outlined clearly how I would seek to restore Fifa’s credibility and rebuild trust in it. This will not be a quick fix, it requires fundamental changes.

“I’m ready to bring real changes to Fifa, changes that will bring a positive era for Fifa and every one of its member associations.”

Figo hopes his working-class background and his desire to to clean up football sets him apart from other candidates Prince Ali bin Al Hussein and Michael van Praag.

“I grew up in a working-class area in Lisbon playing on the streets and my life changed forever through the power of football,” he said.

“I can serve as Fifa president in the interests of football, for football.”