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Iván Campo: In Profile | Help spread the word: Share on Facebook 
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Paul Bloomfield looks at the career of new Ipswich Town signing Iván Campo, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2000.Iván Campo began his career at Deportivo Alavés where he remained until Valencia came in for him midway through his third season at the club. However, Valencia’s first act after signing the player was to loan him out to Real Valladolid. Following the completion of his season-long loan to Real Valladolid, Campo was then loaned out once again, this time to Mallorca. Campo signed for Spanish giants Real Madrid in 1998, where he went on to make 60 appearances for the club. The highlight of his career was helping them to Champions League glory in 2000, playing the full 90 minutes in the final. Having fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid, Campo joined Bolton Wanderers in 2002, in what was initially a one-year loan. The Spaniard returned to Madrid following the completion of his loan, and was widely expected to remain there. However, Campo was to give Bolton fans a pleasant surprise by signing a three-year deal with the Trotters in July 2003, declaring that he preferred life in Bolton to the Spanish capital. Campo’s most notable recent contribution at Bolton was the 43-yard drive he scored against Tottenham Hotspur on the opening day of the 2006/2007 season. He made a total of 172 appearances in his six seasons with Bolton. Iván was not offered a new contract at the end of last season by Bolton manager Gary Megson and therefore found himself as a free agent. After leaving the club, Campo submitted an open letter to Bolton supporters having not been given the opportunity to say a proper goodbye to them. The Champions League winner thanked the fans for the support he had received during his time at the club. The 34-year-old has signed a two-year contract with Ipswich Town after passing a medical. Having been without a club this summer, the former Real Madrid will need to rebuild his fitness levels before he is brought into first-team affairs at Portman Road. Campo has been capped four times by his country, and was part of the 1998 Spanish World Cup squad. He can play in either the centre of defence or a in a defensive midfield position, and it remains to be seen where Town boss Jim Magilton plans to utilise him. Paul Bloomfield Click to view author Paul Bloomfield's profile Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |