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Celta

Born in As Neves, Pontevedra, Galicia, Salgado began his professional career with hometown's Celta de Vigo, making his La Liga debut on 22 January 1995 in a 0–4 away loss against Real Madrid. He was loaned for a season to UD Salamanca in the Segunda División, and after his return became the first-choice in his position.

Whilst at Celta, Salgado was involved in an incident with Atlético Madrid's Juninho Paulista in February 1998: after a dangerous challenge the Brazilian was sidelined for six months, and missed that year's FIFA World Cup.

Salgado scored a career-best three goals in the 1998–99 campaign, helping his team finish fifth and qualify for the UEFA Cup.

Real Madrid

In 1999 Salgado was purchased by Real Madrid for €11,000,000, appearing in 29 league games in his first season while also helping the club win the UEFA Champions League. He was the capital side's starter during his first seven years, but was relegated to the bench by former Sevilla FC youngster Sergio Ramos in 2006–07.

Real Madrid fans show their appreciation of Salgado's ten years service to the club.

Salgado was still able to contribute with 16 matches for the Merengues' 30th national title, mainly due to injuries to Pepe, with Ramos being relocated to centre back. In the following two campaigns, he played very rarely (only 17 contests combined), being sent off in the final game of 2008–09, a 1–2 loss at CA Osasuna on 31 May 2009, as Madrid slumped to a fifth consecutive league defeat.

Salgado was released by Real Madrid in early August 2009, with the team already midway into pre-season.

Blackburn Rovers

Aged nearly 34, Salgado moved to Blackburn Rovers of the Premier League on 19 August 2009, signing a two-year deal after impressing manager Sam Allardyce whilst on trial. He went on to say he was happy to be playing for his new club, intending to retire at Ewood Park.

Salgado made his competitive debut on 12 September against Wolverhampton Wanderers as a second-half substitute, on 12 September (3–1 home win). On 27 October 2009 he scored his first goal for the Rovers, in a 5–2 triumph over Peterborough United for the Football League Cup.

On 27 January 2011, 35-year-old Salgado agreed a contract extension at Blackburn. He was first-choice for the first games in the 2011–12 season, until picking up an injury.

Blackburn manager Steve Kean revealed in December 2011 that Salgado was being omitted from the squad as his contract stated that the player was entitled to a new deal if he played nine more games in the season, the club not being able to afford fresh terms.

Futsal

Aged 40, Salgado came out of retirement to join Kochi 5s in India's Premier Futsal as a marquee player.

Salgado won the first of his 53 caps for Spain on 5 September 1998, in an infamous 2–3 loss in Cyprus for the UEFA Euro 2000 qualifiers. He was part of the nation's squads at Euro 2000 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup, starting in the former and being backup in the latter to Real Madrid teammate Ramos.

Due to last-minute injuries, Salgado missed out on the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004. He also represented the Galician autonomous team.

Salgado is married to Malula Sanz, daughter of former Real Madrid president Lorenzo Sanz.

Club

International

Club

Real Madrid

• La Liga: 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08
• Supercopa de España: 2001, 2003, 2008
• UEFA Champions League: 1999–2000, 2001–02
• Intercontinental Cup: 2002
• UEFA Super Cup: 2002

International

Spain U21

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 1998