Barcelona legend Rivaldo has recalled the disbelief inside the club when Luis Figo completed his sensational transfer to arch-rivals Real Madrid in one of football’s most controversial moves.
Figo left Barcelona for Madrid in 2000 after spending five successful years at the Camp Nou, a switch that stunned teammates and supporters alike. Softfootball understands Rivaldo admitted the dressing room had expected the Portuguese star to remain at the club.
The Brazilian said Figo’s departure came as a huge surprise. He said:
It was a difficult moment for me and for all the players, because we were counting on him and suddenly his transfer to Real Madrid arrived. Life goes on, and he managed to become the best in the world and win the Ballon d’Or.
Despite the transfer, Rivaldo insisted he never lost respect for his former teammate, saying:
I encouraged him because he is a great person, who helped me a lot when I arrived from Deportivo La Coruna.
