Salgado's English admiration

The Spanish international full back ultimately opted to pen a new five-year deal with the reigning Spanish champions, but was tempted by the chance to test himself in The Premiership.

"Chelsea were very keen, as were others from England and Italy," the 28-year-old told World Soccer magazine.

"But right from the start my decision was England or Madrid - I ruled out Italy. But not for the language, for the league.

"English football really attracted me, it's direct, there are a lot of goals, everyone plays to win, it's great to watch.

"The fans are exceptional. Whenever I play in England I enjoy the atmosphere so much. Our stadiums are very cold in comparison.

"Over here people go to the football as if they were going to the theatre.

"People say English football is rougher, but I've played against English teams and they have a very high technical level.

"Just as people say all Italian teams are defensive₻ well, no.

"Whenever I've played against English teams, they've been spectacular games."

The former Celta Vigo star went on to defend Real's transfer policy, and denied that the club's preoccupation with superstar signings had left them with an imbalanced squad.

Indeed, he also hailed last summer's major recruit David Beckham, and conceded the England skipper had surprised him, and the entire Real squad, with his all-round ability.

"The club has opted for a policy that is very defined: buy one 'key' player, as they call them, and get everyone else from the youth team.

"But kids can't turn into great players overnight, so perhaps if some of the young players are not yet complete, the squad looks short.

"(Beckham has surprised us) a lot. Above all the speed with which he has settled.

"Also, we've discovered a new player.

"In Manchester he had enormous media pull, took great free kicks and delivered brilliant crosses. Now we've seen a Beckham who runs, who battles, who never backs down.

"He's more complete than we thought. Maybe we hadn't seen enough of him."