Raúl waves goodbye to Real Madrid – and could be saying hello to the Premier League, rather than Schalke. Photograph: Juan Medina/ReutersThe departing Real Madrid captain Raúl says he is considering a move to England following his departure from the Bernabéu, denying a deal with Schalke has already been done.
The veteran striker today announced he would be leaving the club where he has spent his entire career and had been expected to sign for Schalke, possibly as early as this afternoon, but the 33-year-old says a move to the Premier League is also a possibility.
"The German team is interested in me and I have had very deep discussions with them," he said. "In a few days I will know whether I'll be going to the Bundesliga, but there are other teams that are also interested. What is clear is that my future lies in Germany or England."
Tottenham and Newcastle have been linked with the veteran striker, while Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible destinations.
Raúl, though, says the decision to leave Madrid was a tough one. "It's a hard day for me," he said. "I feel like a footballer still and I will keep on playing, but I will always be loyal to Real Madrid. I have tried to give everything in my time here.
"Being a Real Madrid player is the greatest dream you can imagine. Today more than ever I want everybody to know that in every move, dribble, turn or gesture on the field of play, I tried to give the best I could."
The Madrid captain was a key part of one of the club's most successful sides ever, winning three Champions League trophies and 16 titles in total, but was only a bit-part player last season and has decided to end his career elsewhere.
Despite his obvious sadness, Raúl says the time is now right for a new challenge. "A new period starts today," he said. "I have been happy at Real Madrid and I will always be willing to help the club in whatever it needs, but the time to leave has come.
"I have had the feeling [for a while] that this is the time to move on. I have worn the Real Madrid shirt for many years. I'm 33 now and it is time for some younger and stronger players to come in.
"Also it was my last opportunity to have the experience of playing abroad. I have taken the decision with my family and I want to keep competing."
The Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, also paid tribute to the veteran. "We will never forget Raúl," he said. "There are many men who form part of the legend of Real Madrid, but few that are chosen to embody the club – Raúl is one of those."
Raúl scored 323 goals in 741 games for Real Madrid, as well as 44 in 102 appearances for Spain. His departure follows that of the midfielder Guti, who announced his exit yesterday and is expected to sign for the Turkish side Besiktas.
