Portugal midfielder Luis Figo tonight became the world's most expensive footballer when he joined Real Madrid for £37million from Barcelona. The fee was determined by the buy-out clause inserted in the Portuguese star's contract and eclipses the £35.7million Lazio paid Parma for Argentinian striker Hernan Crespo earlier this month.
"I am going to try and win as much as I can with Real. I hope I will be as happy here as I was with Barcelona," he said at a press conference. "I want to make it known that I am very happy. I hope to contribute a great deal to raise the name of Real Madrid."
The 27-year-old midfielder, who helped Portugal reach the semi-finals of Euro 2000, arrived in the Spanish capital earlier today and passed a medical before he was presented to the media. Figo has signed on a 6-year contract with the European Cup holders.
