Figo slams Real Madrid "circus"

[Jager]

Inter Milan wing ace Luis Figo has slammed former club Real Madrid.

"If your plan is to build a circus, then you have less chance of winning trophies," he told Marca. "Things deteriorated after the first three years, when commercial and promotional interests overtook the sporting considerations. These are mistakes that you pay for sooner or later."

Figo was the original Galactico when Florentino Perez swept into the Presidency on the back of a pledge to sign the Barcelona man for a record £37m.

The Portuguese legend analyses what has gone wrong with a Madrid side that is out of the Champions League at the second round, blaming the summer friendly tours of advertiser-friendly Asian nations.

"It's nice to go round the world and be treated like Kings, but it's a strange situation. Ask the fans if they'd prefer their team to win games or turn into the Globetrotters."

Perez has now resigned and handed over the reins to new President Fernando Martin, who has announced a clampdown on diva behaviour within the squad.

"I was surprised by the timing of the Perez resignation, as when things are going wrong is the time to stick it out. It wasn't the right time to quit."

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[hanuma]

The Galactico policy was not a bad idea....but the way it was carried out was just stupid....people always overlook its fantastic success to begin with.

Having the best most well known players in the world and making them into a team is well possible, and so is having kids as back up (as long as they are good enough)....but the way players were forced into the side when they aren't fit etc was scandalous.

[Pennywise]

If Real Madrid is a "circus" they'd kept Figo in the squad.

The Galactico policy was not a bad idea at all, and is the only policy who have given a club so much success in almost no time. The policy turned Madrid from poor to the richest club in the world too.

But its like communism. Its a good thing if its run in the right way. The Galactico policy have actually been dead since 2004.

Its not weird that Real Madrid not have won the last two years either. Only diamonds are forever, and it was a question of time that Barca took over in La Liga again. Real Madrid dominated Europe and La Liga from 1997-2004 - and now they have a down-periode. Look at the history in Spain and Real Madrid.

We must also realize that Real Madrid were four points behind Barcelona last season and Barca have never been so good as they are now. They have also Ronaldinho.

I am agree with Figo about the trip to Asia. But I also understand Real Madrid. They are the biggest club in the world - and they are 100 % independent. They must earn their own money - and they must earn good money to reach their goal and being the biggest football club in the world. I don't think Madrid lost La Liga last season because they went to Asia.


Figo is still a bit bitter since he wanted to stay with Madrid. So I guess he used "circus" just to take a kick back.

[hanuma]

He does have a point though....several of the stars have come out and said several things about how everything got too much about the money.

[Pennywise]

Figo and some others have been critical to Real Madrid's trip to Asia. The only reason for that is of course the money and create a market in Asia. Real Madrid had perhaps been better if they had been under quiet circumstances in Austria.

Of course he has a point, no doubt about that, but using "circus" says it all. One of the reasons for Real Madrids stepback was also players like Figo. Old and lazy which not could handle the high speed in La Liga ( just to hit back, hehe )

[hanuma]

Going to Asia was fine...but the way in which it was managed was atrocious apparently.

As you well know Figo played excellently for you last season...but yes one of the problems was a lack of youth and fresh legs.

[Pennywise]

Originally Posted by hanuma

Going to Asia was fine...but the way in which it was managed was atrocious apparently.

As you well know Figo played excellently for you last season...but yes one of the problems was a lack of youth and fresh legs.

Going to Asia is not a negative thing. Its good pitches and good circumstances, but Figo now says that it was too strenuous. Maybe a mix between Figo's age, Figo's transfer to Milano and Real Madrids schedule. Real Madrid did a very good season last year, but Barca were so immortal too and Ronaldinho-Eto'o were continuously.

Figo didn't play regular for Real Madrid the last matches of the season, the matches that Real Madrid won, but he played good in many other matches. But he was the fist 'Galactico' and player I wanted out. He was too slow for La Liga ( the last seasons ) and a bit satisfied I think.

That Figo has used the word "circus" is because of the trip to China, then Thailand, etc..I didn't like the schedule either and Figo is still a Madridista and loves the club.

This is of course unnecessary to use time on, and done is done. As I said earlier, only diamonds are forver, and you can't expect that Real Madrid is winning La Liga or CL every year, when they are in the same league as Barcelona - one of the biggest clubs in the world.