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'Real Madrid only need to sign one special player – Rodri': Two-time Champions League winner Ivan Campo

Below is the interview in full.

Ivan, at Real Madrid, you were going through their famous "Galacticos" era, which eventually proved to be unsuccessful. Do you think Florentino Perez is making the same mistake by trying to build it again?"

I think the "Galacticos" era was a special time for that team. It was a time when Real Madrid learned that having big names is not enough to play football.

Real Madrid have already signed several defenders – Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, while Alessandro Bastoni may follow. As a former defender, do you think those signings are the key to a successful next season, or should the club reinforce some other positions instead?

I think this year's defensive reinforcements are all proven players with experience in all competitions. I think we only need one special player for the team, Rodri.

In your opinion, is Jose Mourinho the right man for Real Madrid at the moment?

Yes, of course. Jose is a coach with a lot of experience, who is also demanding and knowledgeable of a club as special as Real Madrid. You just have to let him work with last season's team that now has new faces.

You take part in Real Madrid Legends' matches, often sharing the pitch with absolute legends of the game – who has impressed you the most as a player and a person?

There are many legendary players at Real Madrid. I think everyone has their glory because they have been part of the best club in the world. So I'll keep everyone – those who played before, those of now those who will arrive.

You once said that you had seen everyone whistled at the Bernabeu – even the likes of Raul, Figo and Zidane. This season, Kylian Mbappe received that kind of treatment as well despite having scored a crazy number of goals. Do you think the fans were wrong to boo him, or was it something he deserved?

I have played with great teammates like Zizou, Figo, Raul, Redondo. Everyone is still fantastic. I think Kylian still has to earn it. He is a great player but he has to show that he is one of those special players that will mark an era at Real Madrid.

Real Madrid in late 90s-early 2000s and the 2026 Real Madrid. In your opinion, what has changed significantly since the time you played there?

They are different times, different moments, different players. Football has evolved a lot in all aspects, and you have to live with it.

Spain called up 0 Real Madrid players for the 2026 World Cup, and only Cucurella became their first in the process. Do you think that's a problem Real Madrid should address by signing more Spaniards or relying on homegrown talent?

Real Madrid have always been a team with great players for the Spanish national team. It was a little strange this year that they didn't travel to the World Cup, but these are moments you have to live with.

What one player would you suggest Real Madrid to sign?

Rodri or Zubimendi.