Bit disappointed in Figo for joining Real, given the depth of loathing between the sets of fans. I doubt he'll be remembered as a Camp Nou hero after defecting to Barca's most hated enemies. I know Barmby made a big thing about it only being football and that people were losing their sense of perspective, but could you forgive one of our heroes moving (as opposed to just being sold by the board )to Sunderland?

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2000

Answers

As long as we ripped #m40 off them I wouldn't care.

Figo is a great player, but NO-ONE is worth that amount of money.

Half that top whack, and even then I would say they were stupid paying.....same as Anal Car for #m22.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2000

True - it's back to the mad egos these club presidents in Italy and Spain seem to have.

-- Anonymous, July 23, 2000

How old is he? If he is late 20s it seems an awful lot. To be honest, he is a great player, but I wonder of he is the 'hero of the hour' following Euro 2000 etc. Can't say I'd ever heard of him this time last year.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000

I've been a fan of Figo since we played Barca in the ECL. I think he is late 20s (maybe he just looks old). #40M - I guess if your Real and you can get one of your biggest rival's best.........

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000

It's only 40 million cos of the buy out clause in his contract.....Barca made it that amount thinking that no-one would ever pay that.....

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000

There's a good article in Football365 about Figo. Apparently he agreed to go to Real Madrid, thinking that Perez (or whoever got in) wouldn't be elected. This was to pressure Barca into increasing his wages. However, there was a 20million pound penalty clause in this agreement which means that Figo has to find the money or go to Real Madrid. Now he's desperate to stay at Barca but has to go to a ground where he once called all the fans 'cry-babies'.

Sounds complicated? Too right it is.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000

Thoroughly enjoyed the story about him having to pay to stay at his 'beloved Barca': makes a lovely change to see one of these greedy sh*tes caught out for a change. Does he really expect any sympathy? Like he would have turned down the offer of a pay increase had his plan worked out! Hope he starts playing like a donkey.

-- Anonymous, July 24, 2000