Míchel Salgado

Míchel Salgado, born on October 22, 1975, is a distinguished Spanish former professional footballer who made his mark as a right-back. Known for his fierce tackling and dynamic attacking play, he earned the nickname Il Due, which translates to 'two' in Italian. His career began at Celta, where his impressive performances caught the attention of larger clubs.

For a decade, Salgado showcased his talents at Real Madrid, a period during which he became a fan favorite. His aggressive style of play was famously highlighted by former teammate Steve McManaman, who described him as 'the hardest person in the world' and humorously referred to him as 'a genuine psychopath, even in training.' This reputation only added to his allure as a player.

In addition to his time in Spain, Salgado also ventured into English football, playing three seasons with Blackburn Rovers. Over his career, he accumulated a remarkable total of three hundred and forty-three La Liga matches, scoring seven goals. His contributions extended to the international stage, where he represented the Spain national team for over eight years, earning more than fifty caps and participating in one World Cup and one European Championship.