Portugal legend Luis Figo has admitted that he could see Cristiano Ronaldo moving to Barcelona before the end of his career, citing his own switch in the opposite direction as proof that 'anything can happen'.
Figo moved from the Nou Camp to the Bernabeu for a then-world record£37m back in 2000, and told Portuguese newspaperRecordthat it wasn't beyond the realms of possibility for his countryman to make a similarly stunning move.
First training with the team, very happy!!!! Enjoy the picture ��💪��✌��⚽� pic.twitter.com/FFGEgqSK4A
He said:We are in a free market. If there is a termination clause, anything can happen.[For me] the first reason was the recognition by the president of Real Madrid.So things were getting more serious and I received the offer and I reported it [to Barcelona] with a view to improving my contract.�
Ronaldo has refused to rule out a stunning switch from one club to the other in the past, saying that there are 'no guarantees' when it comes to transfers in football - admitting:It's a little more difficult, but ¦"
He added:There are things that you kind of already have an idea, that to play one day for Barcelona would be almost impossible, or to play for another English club other than Manchester, it's very complicated.
Cristiano Ronaldo will have a higher rating on FIFA 17 than Lionel Messi. pic.twitter.com/6Ga6gttFUv
But that's not 100% guaranteed. As I said before, there are no certainties in football.�
Only three players have ever moved directly from Real Madrid to Barcelona - and only one of those in the last 50 years, with current Barca boss Luis Enrique crossing the divide on a free transfer after five years in Madrid.
For more from Chris when he's not writing on 90min, follow him on Twitter at@ThatChris1209