Figo's form not equalling contract extension yet

Quote from Telegraph article:

“While some may see the death of a bloated, lazy galactico culture in Figo's departure, they would be wrong. Figo has commitment as well as class and was among the few who performed last season.

But for Perez, Figo has gone from superstar pioneer to embittered old-timer. It is hardly surprising that Figo should feel poorly treated: while Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo have signed generous contract extensions, Figo has not - something he publicly laments.

In June he will have a year left; Madrid will have to sell him. He is already being eased towards he door, and what better way than easing him out of the team? It is no coincidence that, with Gravesen's entrance, Beckham has suddenly reappeared on the right of midfield just as Figo's relationship with the club reaches its lowest ebb.”

I completely agree. Luis Figo has played exceptionally well.

(Unless Figo wants to leave) He is being pushed out from the top or he is being squeezed for a shorter/lower paying contract or hey don’t get the marketing revenue from Figo that they see someone else getting (ehm, a new galactico). And the strategy at Madrid is to market the players for profit as much as win.

He has played very well this season, especially in the Champions’ League and he has the public support of Zidane, Roberto Carlos and Raul.

The management under Perez has laid blame before on those that did not deserve it. For Real Madrid to play in the style that the fans want, they need solid players supporting the attack, and fired coaches needed those players. Gravesen is making up for the long standing mistake of not keeping Makelele, but before that Hierro was showing signs of distress. In those years Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Nesta, Stam and Canavarro moved clubs.

Figo is not showing signs of Distress. If he moves clubs, I predict he will be great a few more years. Retiring from the national side will preserve him a bit longer.

I rather hope he does move, but only to the Premiership (to be able to watch him). He would bolster Liverpool, who needs bolstering.