Figo to Al Ittihad

Not sure this has been discussed, but in case it hasn't, Figo is apparently going to be preseneted as an Al Ittihad player in early 2007.

It is reported he will make 6M Euros during his 6 month contract with the Saudi club.

That would make him the highest paid palyer in the world I would think.
Drops any last gasp sporting achievements with Inter for a pretty big sack of cash. The guy loves money alright.

I guess he's won plenty of both so now he just has to chose which he wants more at this stage.

Any thoughts?

When i first read about this I laughed, and now I think it is really strange! Figo has come on many times for Inter this sieason and has changed the gaem for the better (for Inter at least).... a good example of this was the last game of this year against Atalanta, when they were 1-0 down ten minutes to go!

Yea, I didn't think it was credible at first but it looks like the real deal now.

I guess he's done with football and just wants the cash now. And there are still Sportinguistas that hope he'll go back to Sporting one day...

im not surprised that figo was the type that would go for the money but i never thought he would go for such a deal. i dont really understand why he needs this deal because has had some good contracts with Real and with inter so money shouldnt really be a issue unless he really loves it.
kind of dissapointed, thought he would end his days in sporting(could still happen).

It's good...then there will be room for Beckham at Inter.

He has plenty of cash, not only from his contracts but his mutliple business deals. He's into energy and something else I can't remember right now. Has a hotel/bar thing too. I mean, he's fully covered financially.

Maybe the six month deal is so he can drag his tired ass around in a Sporting jersey next year after getting a last grab at a mountain of cash.

Not the best image of him, but aren't all players after the money afterall?

It is a great thing for Asian Football. Though Figo is well into his thirties, he isn't spent.

6 million euros is a lot of money, especially in such a short time. I will reserve judgement on his pecuniary motives and say that Figo is one of my favourite footballers outside of Italy. Great player.

This is quite a coup by the club and while the prospective takeover of Liverpool and this move have been met with the usual xenophobia regarding the Arab world (see the thread "bloody arabs" and the article by Marcotti regarding Liverpool's takeover), one cannot avoid the fact that Asia will become a major player in football -- if not on the pitch then off it.

There's a 'bloody arabs' thread???

How nice...

Luso wrote:There's a 'bloody arabs' thread???

How nice...

Yep, a few threads down in this section.

I still don't understand why Figo would want to walk out on Inter when they are on course to win the scudetto and doing well in the CL. If it's about money, he'd command a bigger price and a bigger package in the summer surely?

TheCrazy58 wrote:I still don't understand why Figo would want to walk out om Inter when they are on course to win the scudetto and doing well in the CL. He'd command a bigger price and a bigger package in the summer surely?

It is quite odd. Maybe Figo weighed his options; he has won the Spanish League, the Champions League and other titles. Technically he won the Scudetto too, but I suspect he doesn't talk much about that at dinner parties.

i thought he was going to America with Becks at the end of the season

In sporting terms it makes no sense. So obviously he's really only thinking of the financial benefits. Perhaps he's taken the deal now as it might not be there come the end of the season?

Luso wrote:In sporting terms it makes no sense. So obviously he's really only thinking of the financial benefits. Perhaps he's taken the deal now as it might not be there come the end of the season?

When does the Saudi league season take place? Is there any reason why he has to leave midway through the European season?

He was already FIFA Best Player, he won all that titles. What he never achieved was to be the football player most well paid. Now he did it.

I think in career terms, its an important milestone. If he would be #2, 3, 4... it was only money. This way, is money and recognition.

No comment from Inter nor Figo, looks bad

I'll believe it when it happens.

Remember all those articles about Eto'o going to Al Ittihad on loan last summer. That didn't exactly happen

Someone actually edited Wikipedia and put it under his profile

No one seems to be denying the possibility. I've actually read Inter is trying to hold on to him, implying there is in fact some truth behind Al Ittihads intention to land Figo.

Figo hasn't attempted to distance himself from Al Ittihad, so it might just be Inter that's standing in the way of this transfer.

Looks like Figo should be staying at Inter, playing not just this season but next season as well.

At least that's what RTP has announced.

yep morrati said he will offer a 1 year extension

That's it for ever playing for Sporting again...not that I care. At this stage he'd just be blocking the progression of a young talent.

It's official. Figo will join Al Itihhad in July, signing a 18 month contract that will see him make 10M Euros over the duration of his contract.

Figo has apparently confirmed this himself to PT sports daily, A Bola.

I believe Inter did offer Figo a 12 month extension, but Figo wanted Inter to match the £5.7m pay packet!! Inter are however holding figo for 6 months....

I don't mind this... Figo served his purpose at Inter, 2 decent seasons, we never expected more.

Now is the time to sign a top youngster.

Luso wrote:Looks like Figo should be staying at Inter, playing not just this season but next season as well.

At least that's what RTP has announced.

bluenine wrote:

Now is the time to sign a top youngster.

Don't go getting any ideas now

Oleguerisntthatbad wrote:

bluenine wrote:

Now is the time to sign a top youngster.

Don't go getting any ideas now

Take Messi, leave Nani out of this

We will try.... I am sure Moratti will tempt Barca...

But isn't Nani the new Figo?

Luso wrote:

Oleguerisntthatbad wrote:

bluenine wrote:

Now is the time to sign a top youngster.

Don't go getting any ideas now

Take Messi, leave Nani out of this

Not quite. Although he plays much better than Figo when he was 19.

Nani is still to get the physicall and mental attitude.