Figo move to J-League reported
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-05-13 08:44

Portuguese veteran midfielder Luis Figo made headlines in the Japanese sports media about his possible transfer from Real Madrid to a J-League side.

Real Madrid midfielder Luis Figo during a training session at the Delle Alpi stadium in March 2005. Figo made headlines in the Japanese sports media about his possible transfer from Real Madrid to J-League side Urawa Red Diamonds. [AFP]

But the reported move was denied by the popular J-League club, Urawa Red Diamonds, as a fantasy arising from Japan's love for the 32-year-old genius dribbler who once owned a Japanese-style restaurant.

The major daily Sports Hochi reported that Urawa would make an offer to acquire Figo for a transfer fee of some two million euros (2.6 million dollars) set by Real Madrid, when the transfer market opens in June.

But Urawa spokesman Hitoshi Sato said: "There is no truth in it at all."

He explained that the story might have been stretched from a comment made by Urawa president Motoaki Inukai on Tuesday when asked about the possibility of Figo coming to Japan if his contract with Madrid was terminated this season.

The president told reporters after a J-League executive meeting here that Real might be choosing between England skipper David Beckham and Figo as their key man for next year. "Acquiring Figo will be a plus to the J-League as a whole."

Figo, who has failed to make the first team in recent Real matches, is due to announce in mid-May whether he will return to international football. He declared last August that he will retire from the Portuguese squad but he refused to shut the door completely on a possible return at a later date.

Figo's contract with Real Madrid runs until 2006 but has yet to be renewed.

Football clubs in Qatar and English Premiership side Tottenham are also reportedly keen on getting Figo.

Close

Mavericks beat Suns 108-106 Arsenal crush Everton 7-0 Shandong Luneng into last eight of AFC Champions League

Today's Top News     Top Sports News
Hu, Soong join hands for Straits peace         Beijing offers Taiwan more conveniences         China and Japan seek to smooth relations         Power cuts to cast shadow over summer         Report: China auto sales hit record high         Foreigners encouraged to seek S&T partners	Figo move to J-League reported       China cruise to third Sudirman Cup sweep       Goal line technology will be ready for World Cup -Blatter       Pearce confirmed as Manchester City manager       Mavericks edge out the Suns 108-106       Traditional powers throng into semis at Sudirman Cup