Ex-Real Madrid and Spain warrior Michel Salgado is convinced some of globe’s next generation of superstars were on show at the opening U13 Dubai Intercontinental Football Cup.

Salgado, 41, watched on with pride as the two-day competition at Dubai Sports City he had done so much to arrange concluded with boyhood club Celta Vigo beating Madrid 1-0 in the Gold Cup’s decider.

Saturday’s tense clash provided a fitting conclusion to the competition, designed to turbo boost the development of budding UAE footballers.

“We have got teams like AC Milan, Real Madrid and Celta Vigo,” said Salgado, who has headed the popular Spanish Soccer Schools (SSS) since moving to Dubai four years ago.

“Most of the kids who are playing here are going to be the future of football.

“This is the type of competition I wanted to bring to the UAE, so we could realise where we are. Sometimes, it is about measuring the level of how far we are from there.”

Salgado also provided a vocal and enlightening presence on the touchline as SSS beat Dubai CSC 2-1 in the Plate Cup final.