Speaking to CNN on Wednesday afternoon, the former Barcelona and Real Madrid star said he wanted to rid FIFA of its dodgy reputation.

He said: "If you search FIFA on the internet you see the first word that comes out: scandal -- not positive words. It's that we have to change first and try to improve the image of FIFA. Football deserves much better than this.


The former Balon d'Or winner continued: "I've been talking with so many important people in football -- players, managers, president of federations -- and they all think that something has to be done.


"Last year was the World Cup, I was in Brazil and I saw the reaction of all the fans regarding the image of FIFA and I think something has to be changed.

"Change in leadership, governance, transparency and solidarity, so I think it's the moment for that."

About the task he faces in beating the incumbent, he reasoned: ""I think no one is untouchable in this life. If you think like that you are wrong."