Figo Kills Unlucky Black Cat?

In Italy there are many superstitions, and one of these is that if a black cat crosses your intended path, then bad luck will befall you.

With three games of the season remaining Inter had seemed destined to win the Scudetto, as they had been six points clear at the top. However a defeat to Milan and draw with Siena means they are only one point ahead of Roma going into the final round of the season, and they are in danger of a complete collapse.

The Nerazzurri have been hit with a host of injuries, dressing room quarrels, and other so-called bad luck stories.

Vittorio Feltri, editor of the Libero newspaper, claimed last week that Figo had run over and killed a black cat near Inter’s training ground because it was said to be bringing the team bad luck.

Mr Feltri wrote: “I am going to tell you a sad story that may seem like a fable but it is true. There once was a beautiful black cat. It lived at Appiano Gentile [Inter’s training round].

“It loved to stretch out on the grass where the Inter players would practice. It had never hurt anyone. It dozed, sprawled and with its paw would wash itself. Its problems began when someone noticed it at the edge of the pitch — oh no a black cat.

“We are in the Third Millennium, the witches have all been burnt centuries ago but there are still imbeciles who believe that a black cat brings bad luck.”

Feltri said that Figo got into his sports utility vehicle and deliberately run over the cat, killing it in a hope that the bad luck would stop.

Figo has since denied the accusations, writing on his official website: “It is completely untrue. I want them to apologise otherwise I will be obliged to take legal action.”

Mr Feltri responded: “I’m not apologising to Figo — I will see him in court and then I will bring out my witnesses.”

The “killing” of the black cat didn’t seem to do Inter any good last week, after they could only manage a 2-2 draw with Siena. 

Anthony Sormani