Former Real Madrid player Michel Salgado joins Pafos FC

Cypriot club Pafos FC have appointed retired Spanish international and former Real Madrid player Michel Salgado as their new Head of Football.

Salgado will work with English Cypriot Chief of Football Operations Stephen Constantine to manage the team, according to a Pafos FC press release.

The Spaniard has a wealth of experience to offer Pafos, both from his playing days as well as from his career following his retirement.

On top of the ten years he spent at Real Madrid and the 53 senior caps he amassed for Spain, Salgado also played for Celta, Salamanca, Blackburn Rovers and Panamanian side Independiente.

Following his retirement, Salgado completed his UEFA badges, worked as Dubai Sports City’s Director of Football, overseeing their youth academy football programmes, and worked as an assistant manager for the Egyptian National Team.

“I am thrilled to be named Head of Football for Pafos FC. I understand that the team’s owners and fans have high expectations from the position and I will do my best to fulfil them”, said Salgado.

“My journey to date has presented a number of opportunities that have prepared me for the position and I hope to make a valuable contribution to the team’s future”, Salgado added.

Pafos FC chairman Roman Dubov expressed his delight at Salgado joining the club, explaining that the Spaniard’s mental attributes are crucial to improving the club’s mentality and approach for the rest of the season and the future in general.

“We are extremely happy that Michel is joining our Club! The board believes Michel is the perfect candidate to take the club forward during this difficult time. We believe Michel will become part of the Pafos family and drive future success of our football club”, Dubov stated.

“His former Real Madrid teammate Steve McManaman once described him as “the hardest person in the world…and genuine craziest person, even when it comes to training’, and this is exactly what we need now to improve the discipline and mental situation within the team. As we want the team to fight till the last breath for the honour of the fans and the Club! This is what we have been missing”, Dubov concluded.