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Liverpool, Real Madrid, and the Luis Figo Transfer That Never Was

Football transfers can often be tales of what might have been, none more so than when a player of Luis Figo’s calibre is involved. Recently, the 2000 Ballon d’Or winner shared an intriguing snippet from the summer of 2005, revealing just how close he came to swapping the sun of Madrid for the docks of Liverpool.

Figo’s Near-Miss with Liverpool

In a candid chat with GOAL, Figo disclosed that post his illustrious stint at Real Madrid, a move to Liverpool was on the cards. Fresh off their Champions League triumph in Istanbul, the Reds had entered talks with Figo, who was 32 at the time and looking for a new challenge as his contract with Madrid was drawing to a close.

“Yes, it was a possibility at that time,” Figo recounted. “It was close, I was negotiating with Rafa (Benitez), but in the end it didn’t happen for different reasons.”

Why the Move Fell Through

The reasons, as Figo points out, lay squarely at Liverpool’s door. The Portuguese winger felt let down by the club’s indecision and sluggishness in finalising his transfer.

“Liverpool at the time were struggling and not making a decision on whether to sign me, so I decided not to go there,” he explained. Figo’s impatience grew as Liverpool dallied, opting instead to bolster their squad with signings like Bolo Zenden, Pepe Reina, Momo Sissoko, and Peter Crouch.

Figo’s Glory Days at Inter Milan

Instead of moving to Merseyside, Figo took his talents to Internazionale, a decision he does not regret. Under the stewardship of Massimo Moratti, Figo enjoyed a trophy-laden tenure at the San Siro, amassing four Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia, contributing significantly with 11 goals and 36 assists over 140 appearances.

“For me it was the best decision to play for Inter. I’m very grateful for the love the supporters gave me in an important period of my career,” he stated, reflecting on a move that clearly filled a fruitful chapter in his illustrious career.

Figo’s Transfer Legacy

Figo’s near-move to Liverpool underscores the unpredictable nature of football transfers. Earlier in his career, Figo was at the heart of one of football’s most controversial switches, moving from Barcelona to Real Madrid, a transfer that sent shockwaves through the football world. His potential move to Liverpool could have been another landmark moment, altering the trajectory of both his career and the club’s fortunes.

In conclusion, Figo’s revelation adds a tantalizing “what if” to the annals of football history. While Liverpool fans can only speculate on the impact Figo might have had at Anfield, his successful stint at Inter Milan stands as a testament to his enduring quality and professionalism. As the football world continues to witness surprising transfers, Figo’s almost-move to Liverpool will remain a fascinating footnote, illustrating the fine margins that often define careers and legacies in the beautiful game.

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