Figo explains Barca exit

The Portuguese international made the controversial switch to Barca's arch rivals two seasons ago, a move that shocked the footballing world, in particular Barca's loyal fans.   

"It was a very complicated decision for me to have to take and in the end it was very difficult to leave Barcelona," explained Figo.

"I was happy and secure at the club, but in the end I decided I had to change because I was not appreciated at all.

"I really hoped that things would change, but I really believe that the objective of the directors of Barcelona was to camouflage the truth.

"Sooner or later they had to sell some of the clubs most valuable players, like myself and Rivaldo, because of financial difficulties that they were having.

"I spoke to close friends about the move while I was on holiday in Corsica and decided it was best to make the switch.

"But it was so hard because nobody can just forget five years of one's life.

"I chose to leave the day before the elections that saw Joan Gaspart take over at the club and that was that."