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Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. On today's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue exploring one of the most controversial football transfers - Luis Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. In this second part of the two-part series, they delve into the public and private turmoil surrounding the transfer, including the dramatic fallout at both clubs, fan reactions, and the momentous pig's head incident. They also examine the long-term impact on Figo's career and friendships, and the profound changes this transfer spurred in football. Don't miss this thrilling conclusion!

00:00 Exciting News and our Patreon Launch

02:51 Introduction to the Episode

04:28 Speculation and Media Frenzy

06:17 Election Drama and Figo's Dilemma

07:30 The Final Decision

09:52 The Fallout and Consequences

11:51 The Election Results

13:56 Figo's Reluctance and Pressure

16:26 The Persuasion Tactics

19:20 The Final Agreement

28:19 Florentino's Persuasion Tactics

31:22 Figo's Announcement and Gaspar's Reaction

33:14 The Fallout in Barcelona

40:57 The First El Clásico After the Transfer

43:49 The Infamous Pig's Head Incident

48:56 The Lingering Legacy and Impact

53:20 Figo's Reflections and Conclusion

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Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into one of the most shocking football transfers of all time - Luis Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. They discuss the immense impact of this transfer on both clubs, the controversy surrounding it, and how it altered the landscape of football transfers forever. Featuring insights about the political machinations in both clubs, the role of agents, and the seismic shift this transfer created in the football world, this episode brings to life the dramatic story behind the headlines. Tune in for part one of this fascinating two-part series!

00:00 Quote to open the episode

05:53 Figo's Role and Style of Play

09:16 The Political and Historical Context

17:03 The Presidential Election and Florentino Perez

26:39 Florentino Perez's Strategy

30:44 The Complacency at Barcelona

31:23 Florentino Perez's Scramble for Figo

32:20 The Role of José Veiga

36:11 The Pre-Contract and Its Implications

48:06 The Election and the Leak

52:54 The Fallout and Future Implications

53:20 Exciting News: Launching a Patreon

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. In the final episode of our four-part special on the NASL, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into the decline and eventual collapse of the league. From financial instability, over-expansion, and missed opportunities, to the controversial business decisions and the rise of indoor soccer. This episode covers the myriad of factors that led to the NASL's downfall. Explore the final turbulent years, the impact on US Soccer, and the lessons learned from one of football's most intriguing leagues.

00:00 Introduction to the NASL and Its Peak

02:08 The Decline Begins: Post-Pele Era

05:36 Celebrity Owners and Financial Woes

09:01 The Cosmos' Dominance and League Format Issues

19:21 Franchise Movements and Player Strikes

29:03 The Beginning of the End: Financial Losses and Decline

36:13 Ownership Disputes and Relocations

37:53 Franchise Failures and Player Movements

43:34 NASL's Struggles and FIFA's Ultimatum

44:28 The Final Collapse of NASL

55:18 Failed Experiments and Indoor Soccer

01:01:49 The End of NASL and Its Legacy

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.