FORMER Bolton favourite Ivan Campo insists he no longer has any hard feelings towards the club.

The Spanish midfield ace was critical of manager Gary Megson and chairman Phil Gartside after his departure at the end of last season.

And he was angry at not having a chance to say a proper farewell to the fans after five years with Wanderers.

But the 34-year-old former Real Madrid star now says: "I was very upset at the way that I left the club. But I am not bitter and I wish everyone associated with Bolton all the best for the future.

"And I would like to say a very big thank-you to everyone who has taken the time and trouble to contact me with messages of support over the last couple of months. I had no idea that there would be so many.

"I would love to reply but there are so many that it would be impossible.

"I was upset at the way that I had left without ever having been given the opportunity to say goodbye to the fans. It would have been wonderful to have pulled on that white shirt one more time.

Memories

"However, along with so many great memories of my time at Bolton, I now have your wonderful messages of support to take with me wherever I go.

"I always hoped I could return to Bolton one day and be considered as one of your own.

"But now I know I will always be a part of the Bolton family.

"It would have been perfect to have said goodbye in person - and who knows there may be something in the pipeline - but at least now I have all of your words to take with me on my journey forward."

Meanwhile, Bolton new-boy Fabrice Muamba expects to make his debut in Wanderers' first pre-season friendly at Rochdale tonight.

"It will be the first time I get to see what is going on with the team and to meet the fans," said the former Birmingham City midfielder.

"It was great to get to know all the players in Austria - they are a good group of lads and I really get on with them all.

"The togetherness within the team is really strong and we're all anxious to avoid the struggle they went through last season." Tweet