We perform a Faddeev calculation for the three mesons system, $phi K bar{K}$, taking the interaction between two pseudoscalar mesons and between a vector and a pseudoscalar meson from the chiral unitary approach. We obtain a neat resonance peak around a total mass of 2150 MeV and an invariant mass for the $K bar{K}$ system around 970 MeV, very close to the $f_0(980)$ mass. The state appears in I=0 and qualifies as a $phi f_0(980)$ resonance. We enlarge the space of states including $phi pi pi$, since $pi pi$ and $K bar{K}$ build up the $f_0$ (980), and find moderate changes that serve to quantify theoretical uncertainties. No state is seen in I=1. This finding provides a natural explanation for the recent state found at BABAR and BES, the X(2175), which decays into $phi f_0(980)$.