Michel Salgado said goodbye to the press today. And will say good bye at the end of the month to the Madridistas in the Trofeo Bernabeau game against AC Milan after playing 10 years for Real Madrid. A tenure much longer than Beckham, Ronaldo, and Zidane's.

Michel Salgado is certainly one of the important players Real Madrid has had in the past decade. He was in the glorious teams in the beginning of the decade, stayed through the team in the shadows of the galactico era in the middle of the decade, and remained loyal to the team in the latter part of this decade. While he did not standout on the flanks like Roberto Carlos, he did his job on the right-side of the field. Remember, he owned the right-flank for Madrid for seven straight seasons. He was a starter for the last two Champions League finals Madrid won (against Valencia and against Leverkusen). I thought he was on his way out when Sergio Ramos signed for the team but he provided assurance (and insurance) on the flanks whenever Sergio Ramos was suspended or injured. It took the arrival of Arbeloa, and emergence of Miguel Torres, to finally push out the aging Salgado.

He's one of those players only appreciated by Real Madrid fans. The same way ManUtd fans appreciate Neville, the way Milan fans appreciate Ambrosini. Quiet players in the shadows of the superstars, but a vital component to the club. MARCA said it best in a headline, "Adios a la garra", Goodbye to the Fighting Spirit. Here's to Salgado! Winner of 4 La Liga titles, 1 Intercontinental, and 2 Champions League trophies!

http://estaticos01.marca.com/albumes/2009/08/05/salgado_5_julio_09/1249484159_extras_albumes_0.jpg

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