Figo bemused by quit rumours
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-06-03 09:20

Luis Figo has denied suggestions he is to leave Real Madrid this summer.

Luis Figo smiles as he kicks a ball during a Portugal national soccer team training session Tuesday, May 31 2005. Figo who had quit playing for the national team following the 2004 European championship decided to make a return and trained with the team for the first time Tuesday. Portugal will play Slovakia in a World Cup qualifying match Saturday in Lisbon. It is reported that the former FIFA Footballer of the Year is going to leave Real Madrid andn joins one of the England soccer clubs.[AP]

The front cover of Wednesday's edition of sports daily Marca, which has close links with Madrid, insisted Figo had been told by president Florentino Perez he was free to negotiate a transfer away from the Bernabeu.

But the former Barcelona star insists he has heard nothing from Perez or any other official from the club. "It is not true that Florentino Perez has called me and even less so that he told me I am free to look for another team," he said.

"I am very surprised by the front page of Marca, or then again maybe not..." Figo added.

"Nobody at the club, not even the president, has said anything to me about the possibility that the club didn't want to fulfil its obligations as regards my contract."

Figo, whose current deal expires at the end of next season, was dropped to the bench for the last 10 games of the recently-completed Primera Liga campaign, prompting talk of a fall-out with Madrid coach Wanderley Luxemburgo.

The 32-year-old admits he is not happy at losing his place in the side but insists that does not mean he is now seeking a move.

"The fact I don't like being substitute should not be confused with wanting to leave Real Madrid," said Figo.

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