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CAMPO IN ATLETICO WARNING - Friday 8th February 2008

Ivan Campo has warned Atletico Madrid that Bolton can beat the odds and knock them out of the UEFA Cup.

The defensive midfielder moved to England from Atletico's city rivals Real Madrid in 2002, and after a successful loan spell signed a permanent deal at the Reebok.

Campo was left out of the original UEFA Cup squad by former manager Sammy Lee, but has impressed since returning to the side in September, forcing new manager Gary Megson to include the Spaniard in the squad for the knockout stages.

The 34-year-old has warned Atletico not to underestimate Wanderers and he is looking forward to playing infront of 50,000 plus back in his homeland.

"It will be special to play in the Vicente Calderon, which has a magical atmosphere," Campo told AS.

"But beyond that, I came to England six years ago and it's English football that excites me, not Spanish.

"When Atletico come here they won't find an 'inferno', the Reebok isn't that intimidating. But if we start well and score, people will appreciate it.

"We're not the favourites to win this round, but we do have our chances."

The former Spanish international admits Bolton's chances have been lessened following Nicolas Anelka's transfer to Chelsea, but is confident other players can step up to the plate and get on the scoresheet.

"Anelka's move has been a pain, most of all because he has made a name for himself thanks to his displays in Europe. It is a blow, but when a player leaves, you have to move on.

"If Chelsea want to sign you, how can you refuse it? At the end of the day we have to keep on fighting to stay up.

"Anelka is a very good lad, less bizarre than everybody thinks. He has shown a lot of maturity in England. Anelka is a very nice guy and a leader, not a strange man.

"Now that he has left we are just a group without any player better than any other."

When questioned about his enthusiasm for the English game, Campo laughed off suggestions that he is now eligible for British citizenship.

"I'm a little English in many ways," he laughed. "But take a look at this, in Malaga, the sun and the beach. That's special. Plus, my wife's Valencian, and I'm sure she'd have something to say about it!"

But the former Real Madrid player has indicated he may be about to extend his stay in England and sign a new contract at the club.

"I have had a meeting and I am waiting for a second. I am going to listen to Bolton in respect for everything they've given me," said Campo.

"If I like the project and the trainer, I will stay. I want to continue playing for two or three years more at the top level, but we will see where."