Figo signs Saudi contract

Luis Figo has signed an 18-month contract to join Al-Ittihad in the summer.

Al-Ittihad have confirmed Luis Figo has signed an 18-month contract to move to Saudi Arabia in the summer.

Late last month, Al-Ittihad had claimed the experienced winger would be joining from Internazionale in January.

Inter were quick to enter into talks in a bid to keep the Portuguese veteran at the club, at least until the end of the season.

Those discussions have proved successful, with Al-Ittihad now revealing Figo will be arriving in the summer.

"I can confirm that Luis Figo of Inter Milan has signed an official contract with Ittihad starting on July 1, 2007," the club's director general Rafat Turki told Reuters.

"I have no right to release the value, but we concluded a deal acceptable to both sides that is the highest, not just in the Middle East, but in Asia for a player that is worth the value."

Turki acknowledged the negotiations had been lengthy, and often complicated, but is delighted Figo has agreed to move to Saudi Arabia.

He added: "The negotiations took almost two-and-a-half months. To get a player of such skill and prestige takes time.

"A couple of hours after the press conference we were able to conclude the deal."