Luis Figo Slams Real Madrid's 'Shameful' Summer Spending

Portuguese maestro Luis Figo has heavily criticised former club Real Madrid and returning President Florentino Perez for the vast sums of money he has spent to bring new talent to the Bernabeu this month.

Los Merengues have splashed out incredible sums of money to lure Brazilian Kaka and Ballon d’Or holder Cristiano Ronaldo to La Liga in an attempt to oust rivals Barcelona from their perch both domestically and in Europe.

However Figo, who himself endured a spell as the world’s most expensive player when he moved to Real Madrid for £37m in 2000, reckons that given the current financial climate, Perez’s spending policy is outrageous.

Goal.com Spain reports that the 36-year old commented, “In times of crisis in the world, the figures being spent by Real Madrid at the moment is shameful.

“Kaka and Cristiano [Ronaldo] are both great players, but they have paid a lot of money for them.”

In addition, Figo commented on former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who has previously been linked with a move to Barcelona, with speculation in today’s press suggest that Real Madrid are also considering a move for the front-man.

Figo said simply of the speculation, “In the years I’ve played at Inter Milan he has played very well and has grown as a player. He now must choose what option suits him best.”

The former Portuguese international retired from football at the end of the season following a glittering career both in Spain and Italy.

Paul Macdonald, Goal.com

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