• Luis Figo played for Barcelona for five years before moving to Real Madrid
  • Figo’s then world record transfer left Barcelona fans furious
  • Figo had been selected in UEFA’s combined Juventus and Barcelona XI
  • UEFA have removed him from the team after Barcelona complained
  • Juventus-Barcelona combined XI will take on world team on Friday 
  • Barcelona vs Juventus: CLICK HERE for Champions League final news 

Rajvir Rai for MailOnline

Barcelona have sensationally asked that Luis Figo does not represent the club in Friday’s legends match in Berlin.

Figo spent five years at the Nou Camp before moving to rivals Real Madrid in 2000 and was selected by UEFA in their combined Juventus and Barcelona team to take on a World XI. 

However, Barcelona asked UEFA to remove Figo from their side after protests from fans, who 15 years on are still clearly angered at the former midfielder’s controversial move.

Luis Figo (holding the trophy) helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey in 1998 during his spell at the club

Luis Figo (holding the trophy) helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey in 1998 during his spell at the club

Figo holds the Copa del Rey above his head as he celebrates with Barcelona fans in 1998

Figo holds the Copa del Rey above his head as he celebrates with Barcelona fans in 1998

Figo (in action against Chelsea) was a key part of the Barcelona team before he left for Real Madrid

Figo (in action against Chelsea) was a key part of the Barcelona team before he left for Real Madrid

Figo (centre) celebrates at the Nou Camp as Barcelona clinch the La Liga title in 1998 

Figo (centre) celebrates at the Nou Camp as Barcelona clinch the La Liga title in 1998 

Figo, who is now considering whether to again stand for the FIFA presidency, helped Barcelona to two La Liga tiles before leaving for Real Madrid for a then world record £37million.

The move stunned football and left Barcelona fans furious and when Figo returned to the Nou Camp for the first time in October 2000 they mercilessly taunted and jeered the then Portugal international. 

Figo responded by holding his hands to his ears – which only served to intensify the atmosphere. 

Figo moved to Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £37.5m in a move that shocked football

Figo moved to Real Madrid for a then world record fee of £37.5m in a move that shocked football

Figo cups his hears as he sends a message to the booing Barcelona fans on his first return to the Nou Camp 

Figo cups his hears as he sends a message to the booing Barcelona fans on his first return to the Nou Camp 

Figo and his Real Madrid team-mates are ushered down the tunnel during the infamous derby clash in 2002

Figo and his Real Madrid team-mates are ushered down the tunnel during the infamous derby clash in 2002

A pig's head was thrown on to the pitch during the 2002 derby - Figo's second return to the Nou Camp 

A pig’s head was thrown on to the pitch during the 2002 derby – Figo’s second return to the Nou Camp 

Barcelona fans burn a poster of Figo in the stands during a clash between Barcelona and Real in 2000

Barcelona fans burn a poster of Figo in the stands during a clash between Barcelona and Real in 2000

ULTIMATE CHAMPIONS MATCH SQUADS

JUVENTUS AND BARCELONA LEGENDS: Edwin van der Sar, Ciro Ferrara, Ludovic Giuly, Alessandro Del Piero, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, Edmílson, Fabio Cannavaro, David Trezeguet, Mark van Bommel, Gianluca Zambrotta, Deco, Eric Abidal, Christian Vieri

WORLD ALL-STARS: Jens Lehmann, Cafu, Youri Djorkaeff, Robert Pires, Predrag Mijatović, Giovane Elber, Clarence Seedorf, Rai, Christian Karembeu, Steve McManaman, Pierre van Hooijdonk, Marco Materazzi

Infamously his second return to the Nou Camp a year later saw a pig’s head thrown on to the pitch and the game suspended for 20 minutes as fans chucked beer cans, lighters and bottles from the stands.   

Figo, however, would justify his decision to move to the Bernabeu as he helped Real clinch the title in 2001 and was named World Player of the Year. A year later he won the Champions League with the club and would go on to win another League title before leaving for Inter Milan in 2005 on a free transfer. 

Friday’s legends game will see a combined Juventus and Barcelona XI take on a world XI ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final between the champions of Italy and Spain. The Juventus and Barcelona side will be coached by Ruud Gullit and Peter Schmeichel and Zico will take charge of the Juve and Barca team. 

Figo announced he would stand against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency before resigning from the race 

Figo announced he would stand against Sepp Blatter for the FIFA presidency before resigning from the race 

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