FC Barcelona star Deco has revealed that Real Madrid wanted him to follow the example of Luis Figo in 2000, by joining the Merengues after the presidential election.


Deco believed that Real wanted to repeat the trick and take advantage of the Lampard rumours. Deco has turned down the lucrative offer in order to stay with Barca.


Barca midfield star Deco told El Mundo Deportivo:

"I cannot deny that two candidates for the presidency of Real Madrid contacted me. I thanked them but told them a move to Madrid didn't interest me as I'm happy in Barcelona. It was an offer to try to repeat the history of Luis Figo. They offered me a lot of money but I turned it down. I think they were trying to capitalise on all the rumours linking Barca with a move for Frank Lampard. But I was calm because I've always had a good and honest relationship with Joan Laporta."

Real shook the football world when a presidential promise led to them signing Luis Figo from Barca in 2000 and Deco believes they wanted to repeat the trick.