Luís Figo has gone back to be news this week, since they fulfil 20 years since it changed the FC Barcelona by the Real Madrid. The luso celebrated in the social networks his landing in Santiago Bernabéu on 23 July of the 2000, whereas in the Barcelona edict also have produced some statements that go to give that speak. Joan Gaspart has heaved the voice to clear again a historically painful case.
In a speech that reproduce several media, the ex president barcelonista has put once again the points on the íes: "Of what was that, of the signing and how produced , has explained everything. I have given always my version and think that anybody still has questioned it. If we could do something more? It can be, but possibly it had supposed to drown the economy of the club. And the Barça was the first. Always".
"It was a movement genial. This yes, was not legal. A genialidad, but illegal", adds on the pact that Florentino Pérez, then presidential candidate of the group 'merengue' , had closed with the one of Almada. The leader had signed a penalty in case the crack threw backwards, and thus it engaged to carry him to the capital or to pay with these 500 million pesetas (3 million euros), a year of abonos to the partners.
The Catalan defends his argument and underlines that the Madrilenian committed an error to the 'touch' to a footballer that in these moments had agreement and was negotiating his renewal: "When it explained me what happened said him that this was out of the legal frame, that was a case that in the courts won yes or yes. But he had fear that they could demand him the penalty that his representative had signed in his name".
Finally, the doubts of the Portuguese certified the change of Barcelona to white: "I offered him all the legal guarantees, that went it to litigate, that was a case of an illegality. That it was calm therefore. But no, he wanted a guarantee of La Caixa. Of La Caixa! It was midnight, I finish to be chosen president and found me with this. It could not be. By any side. Neither by time, neither by the bottom of what asked".
Gaspart Forgives to Florentino, but no to Figo
The unexpected signing marked the path of Gaspart, that for the time being has 'forgiven' to Florentino but no to Figo by his "betrayal". "Have good relation with Florentino. One of my best friends in the world of the football was Mendoza", comments the Barcelonan employer without hiding , but shows much more rotundo on the behaviour of which went his star: "Claro, how do not go to feel that it was a betrayal?".