Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has taken aim at president Florentino Perez.
Figo spent five years in the Spanish capital following his controversial move from great rivals Barcelona in 2000.
"I could not stand it because I was a player at Real that President Florentino Perez did not want," the now 40-year-old said.
"I don't know what had changed, but I remember well that we came to play Albacete, I had played and we had won [6-1]. Then the next week was the Clasico [lost 3-0] and then from one moment to another I was on the bench without an explanation.
"It was certainly a way to hurt me. I am telling you what I think. I am clear on why I left, I had one year to go on my contract at Madrid where I could have been paid well and stayed quiet, but I preferred to find a new project and be happy instead of taking the money without playing.
"I do not share Perez's ideas, but I respect him. Certainly he is very powerful and very influential and I hope that he brings good things to the club."
