Real Madrid

Michel Salgado was paid homage to by the Bernabeu crowd before the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy match against Rosenborg kicked-off. Both teams welcomed him with a guard of honour as he took the pitch with his children. The centre of the field had all the trophies he won at the Club and the scoreboards showed a video of his greatest moments as a player. He received an ovation from the crowd and Florentino Perez presented him with the Club's Gold and Diamond Insignia.

"It's been tough and hard to take because I've lived ten wonderful years at this Club. I wish the team all the best," said a visibly moved Salgado.

The defender's debut in the First Division took place at the Santiago Bernabeu on 22 December 1995 when he played for Celta Vigo. He became a Madridista in the 1999/2000 campaign and he will never cease to be one. "It's been a privilege to wear this shirt," he added, "I always dreamed about playing for this club and it came true big time."

Salgado won two European Cups, four league titles, three Spanish Super Cups, one European Super Cup and one Intercontinental Cup with Real Madrid.

He's been an international  for Spain 53 times, participating in the 2000 Belgian and Pays Bas Euro and in the Germany 2006 World Cup. He was a regular on the squad, but injuries made him miss the 2002 World Cup and the 2004 Euro.

After playing 371 games for the Whites, Salgado will now join Blackburn Rovers. "I wish to thank the Club and I hope this isn't a good-bye, but rather a see you later," he said before leaving the pitch.