Figo moves from Real to Inter

Former World and European Footballer of the Year Luis Figo signed for Inter yesterday, ending his five-year spell with Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old Portuguese international had a year left on his contract with the Spanish club but after completing a medical agreed a two-year deal with Inter.

Real spent a then world record $56 million to buy Figo from rivals Barcelona in July 2000 in one of the most controversial transfers in Spanish football history.

Figo becomes the third player to move from Real to Inter during the close season following Argentines Santiago Solari and Walter Samuel as Inter coach Roberto Mancini looks to end the club's 16-year wait for an Italian title.

The skillful winger will operate in a midfield featuring Argentine internationals Juan Sebastian Veron and Esteban Cambiasso and will be expected to provide the ammunition for Inter's prolific Brazilian striker Adriano.

Despite remaining one of the biggest names in the game, Figo will have a point to prove at Inter following a disappointing end to his time in Madrid.

The winger fell out with Real coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo after being consigned to the bench for the latter part of last season and had been given permission to negotiate with other clubs.

Real are reported not to have demanded a fee for the player who had also been linked with Liverpool and Valencia.

Figo could make his debut for Inter in the Italian Super Cup against champions Juventus on August 20.