Former Portuguese midfielder Luis Figo has suggested that a lack of appreciation was the reasoning behindhis controversial decision to leave Barcelona for arch rivals Real Madrid back in 2000.
Figo stunned many by swapping the Nou Camp for the Bernabeu in an estimated £37m move 17-years-ago which to this day, has not been forgiven by many Barca fans.
The decision to move to the club's El Clasico rivals led to years of hostility towards Figo whenever he returned to face his former side, with perhaps the most famous flare up seeing a pig's head thrown in his direction during a match in 2002.
Although the former Portugal captain has often kept his motive behind the move away from the public eye, he hinted that his departure was down to a lack of appreciation at Barcelona in an interview with La Liga's website.
Figo said (as quoted byFootball Espana):"There was a lot of pressure.
"There was a time when I thought it would not happen. But it was not just the sporting and the financial side, there were other people involved. There are always moments when you have doubts, you think a lot about whether to do something, until you take the step and there is no going back.
"In the final accounts, the same as in any profession, if you do not really feel 100 percent recognised for what you put in and what you do - I am not talking about the fans, but those who manage and control the club - when you have other offers you think about making a change. And that's what happened."