Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has spoken of his controversial move from Barcelona.

Figo is adamant he'd have joined Real even if Florentino Perez had not become president.

He told Acento Robinson: "I never made a commitment with Florentino, I made one with Real Madrid. Florentino, who was a presidential candidate, brokered a deal with my agent, not with me because I was under contract and couldn't sign an agreement with someone running for office. During that time me and my agent had a spoken relationship, there wasn't a contract tying me to him.

"What they've said are lies. What happened next was my decision. Seeing what the situation was and with the commitment of my agent, I decided to sign for Real Madrid."

Figo was also asked about the reaction of Barca fans.

"I'm not sure I was ready for it, I didn't know what the reaction would be like. You make the decision and hope that you can do your best on a professional and emotional level. I had no idea how I'd be greeted. That was a different time, Madrid were going through a transitional period and as a player you would have to go out and face the press regularly. Players are more protected now."