Figo: I Didn't Want To Leave Barcelona

Luis Figo has backed up comments made to Sport recently by telling El Pais that he "wanted to stay at Barcelona" rather than move to Real Madrid.

The Portugal star was involved in a bitter move between the two clubs that saw him become one of the most hated men in Catalonia.

He explained his mistake today and said that he never wanted to leave Barcelona when he did.

"I didn't lie when I said that I wanted to stay with Barcelona. I wanted to remain there and the president also knew that," he declared.

"My only mistake back then was to say in an interview that I would not go."

Figo claimed that he did not say the truth at the time because he "had to take the decision" and because once he had completed the deal with Real Madrid it served no purpose as it would not help at all.

"I could not change the opinion of the people because I could not compete with the press, the president...Out of 80,000 people, only 5,000 would believe me" he mused.

"I take responsibility for it. It is normal that if I go to Barcelona, people will hate me."

The Portuguese midfielder did admit that when he retires he would like to return to Barcelona though, even he if he will not get a warm reception.

"When I retire I will visit Barcelona again. They may not ask me for autographs, but I will will return. I continue to have a lot of respect for the fans, I have a Catalan daughter and I knew my partner there...For, it is an important place, and I am proud to have played there. They were five good years of my life," he explained.

Lastly, Figo spoke about the current regime and said he would like like Pep Guardiola to "do well and win titles" because above all else, "friends come first".

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com