MADRID (AP) - Defender Michel Salgado said Wednesday he felt proud to have spent the past decade with Real Madrid, adding he would welcome the chance to return to the club in some capacity in the future.

Salgado’s contract has been terminated by Madrid a year early, with the tough-tackling right back reportedly receiving euro4 million ($5.75 million) in compensation.

The 33-year-old former Spanish international’s chances of remaining were ended when Madrid signed Liverpool right back, Alvaro Arbeloa, one of eight new players in the club’s euro254 million ($365 million) spending spree this offseason.

"I feel very proud and privileged to have worn this shirt for 10 years," Salgado was quoted as saying by the Web site of sports daily Marca. "I hope this is just a "see you soon". You never know what may happen."

Newly promoted Zaragoza and Qatar team Al Rayyan have both reportedly made approaches to Salgado’s agent, Gines Carvajal, about the player.

"It will be tough to put on another shirt but I feel I can still football for a few more years. Football is my life," Salgado said.

After joining Madrid from Celta Vigo in 1999, Salgado made 371 appearances in all competitions for Madrid, winning 11 titles including two Champions League and four Spanish league trophies.