Campo Happy With Madrid Return

Campo (right) warms up
By Mark Heys
February 22 2008

Nobody more so than Ivan Campo was delighted that Bolton Wanderers managed to knock Atletico Madrid out of the UEFA Cup because not only did the midfielder have a 34th birthday to remember but the Spaniard also celebrated a winning return to Madrid.

Campo was on the books of Atletico's arch rivals Real Madrid for three years prior to moving to Bolton in 2002 and the home crowd at the Vicente Calderon made sure the veteran knew he was 'Mr Unpopular'.

Now one of the Wanderers longest serving players in the current squad, man of few words Campo revealed that the manager Gary Megson had told him to help to defend the lead Bolton had secured at the Reebok Stadium a week previous.

"We defended what we achieved at our ground and we're happy with the qualification, I came on with the instructions to hold onto the ball and dominate the game." said the veteran when asked about his second half introduction from the substitutes bench. 

"We produced a good performance and have achieved something few thought possible. I'm not bothered about the booing, it's normal because I played for Real Madrid."

The Atletico duals saw Campo play his first European games since the 2005-2006 season and even then the curly haired midfielder only saw brief action due to a broken foot.

The Bolton supporters who travelled to Spain where in fine voice for their idols throughout what proved to be trying times and they even managed to sing a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' to Senor Campo.