Figo wants to stay with Barcelona

Figo says he does not want to leave the Nou Camp

Portugal midfielder Luis Figo has claimed that he will turn down all offers from the Italian Serie A to remain with Barcelona next season.

He confirmed that both Lazio and AC Milan had been in contact with his agent, Jose Veiga, claiming Lazio are ready to buy out his contract for £40m.

But Figo insists he wants to stay at the Nou Camp.

"I have said it and I repeat it - my desire is to remain in Barcelona where I feel well, where my family is happy. These are important elements for me," he said.

My desire is to remain in Barcelona where I feel well

Luis Figo

Speculation over Figo's future has been rife, particularly after his impressive display against England, and Barcelona said any foreign club would have to pay a world-record fee of about £85m for his services.

The Barcelona management tried to quash the rumours and insisted it wants Figo to fulfill the contract signed just a year ago, which binds him to stay until 2004.

The issue is complicated by the shake-up at the club with the departure of coach Louis van Gaal and long-serving president Josep Luis Nunez following a disappointing season.

Vote winner

In the campaign to elect a new president, hanging on to Figo has become a major vote winner among the fans.

Candidate Joan Castells said in a Lisbon paper."We must all unite to keep Figo at Barcelona, for both his human and his sporting qualities.

"His departure would be dramatic for all of us,"

Another leading candidate Joan Gaspart said: "No way are we going to let him leave Barcelona."