It was back to work with a difference for ex-Barcelona star Luis Figo as he trained with his former arch-rivals at Real Madrid yesterday.
The world's most expensive player joined his new team-mates for the first time at Real Madrid's training ground just a short distance from the club's Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Figo was in pensive mood, barely acknowledging the polite applause from the several hundred fans who watched the session. But with the fans following Figo's every move as he jogged around the pitch, there was little doubt that the club's new £37 million sterling investment was what they had come to see.
Figo stuck close to Raul, and the two players exchanged brief words during the training session which was led by team-captain Fernando Hierro.
Their laps were punctuated by sporadic shouts in favour of Fernando Redondo who left the club for AC Milan in controversial circumstances last week.
After training Figo told reporters that the reaction to his move in Barcelona where he has been dubbed a traitor was not unexpected, but added: "The people who call me a traitor may be the ones who I feel betrayed me." Figo refused to elaborate, but promised to talk at greater length about his reasons for leaving the Catalan club "when the time is right".
Figo is expected to make his debut for Real against Sporting Lisbon on August 9th.
Didier Deschamps admitted yesterday his game was never really suited to the Premiership. France's World Cup and Euro 2000-winning captain spent only one season at Chelsea before joining Valencia for £3.7 million.
And the 31-year-old, who has signed a three-year contract with last season's beaten Champions League finalists, said: "It was difficult for me in England, after five seasons in a team like Juventus.
"I think my style adapts better to the latin game, that's why I opted for Valencia." Around a thousand fans turned out to welcome Deschamps to the Mestalla de Valencia stadium.
Dennis Bergkamp is urging Arsenal fans to look to the future rather than dwell on the £30 million departures of Marc Overmars and Emmanuel Petit. The Dutch striker is sorry to see his team-mates leave Highbury but still predicts a great season for the Gunners.
Arsene Wenger strengthened his squad with Lauren and Robert Pires before the double-sale to Barcelona and may now delve back into the transfer market.
Bergkamp said: "I'm sure that with a few new signings we'll do something really big next season. "Just look at the individual talent we have: Silvinho, Patrick Vieira, Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires, Thierry Henry and Kanu.
"When you add those names to some of the more experienced players like me, Martin Keown and Tony Adams we have a formidable team - and that's before a penny of the £45 million, or so the papers say, Arsene Wenger has to spend.
"Cheer up Arsenal fans, we're going to have a great season."
