FIGO REVEALS REASONING BEHIND CAMP NOU EXIT
The Portuguese ace vowed to remain silent on the thorny issue of his transfer from Barca to Real Madrid, but in an interview with Marca, he laid bare his feelings over the internal workings of his former side, questioning their role in the departure of high-profile players from Camp Nou.
Figo accused Joan Gaspart and Jose Luis Nunez of duplicity when it came to re-negotiating players' contracts.
"In Barcelona the way a player is allowed to leave isn't a very nice one. I can't understand the departure of Guardiola, Nadal or Amor. When one observes it from close range one can't help thinking what about me?
"If they were forced out after six, eight or ten years at the club, what would happen to me?"
In July 2000 Luis Figo showed Nunez a number of offers from other clubs, but declared they were not there to negotiate a new deal.
Relationships declined dramatically and Florentino Perez stepped in and offered Figo a deal he could not refuse.
Speaking about the capture of Zinedine Zidane, Figo said: "He's a fabulous player, which is the best acquisition Real Madrid could make.
"It will be a pleasure to play with him."
However, Figo was upset that Rui Costa did not join him, saying: "Everybody knows he is a big friend of mine but also a fantastic player. Although I'm sure he'll make it big at Milan. I'm sad he couldn't come to Madrid."
