Raúl to Retire. And Then Play in MLS?
By: Daryl | February 27th, 2009
That’s not a trick headline. Real Madrid living legend Raúl González has announced that he’ll probably retire at the end of the 2010/2011 season (which means he’ll finish this season then play two more).
He’s already the Real’s all-time top scorer, and will definitely be adding a few more goals to that tally before he’s done.
After that, he plans to give MLS a go. But not for the football, apparently.
“As an experience, not just for me but also for my family, I could try to play a year probably in the United States,” he said. “If I did it, it would be for the experience. If not, it’s clear that I will finish my career here (at Real).”
Now, I’ve got a lot of respect for Raúl. The man’s medal haul would put Sarah Jessica Parker’s shoe collection to shame, and in my opinion he played a key part in Spain’s Euro 2008 success by greeting his exclusion with incredible grace and humility.
But that right there is a massive lack of respect for MLS. I understand that the “retire” thing isn’t to be taken literally, and that for a Real Madrid career man, leaving the club probably does equal retirement. And can Raúl really be blamed for treating MLS so casually?
Seems that the way MLS bent over backwards for – and then got shafted by – David Beckham (apologies for that rather graphic imagery) has sent a message to all aging superstars. And that message is: Come and play here, we’ll give you loads of money, but you don’t have to take it seriously.
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Category: MLS
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Comments
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Not just graphic imagery. More like…”physically impossible for anybody but a Chinese acrobat” graphic imagery.
P.S. Tell my mother-in-law I didn’t just say that. Actually, I’m pretty sure it was Chris, stealing my log-in info.
P.P.S. Although I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t understand anyway, so I’m probably okay.
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United States
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That says a whole lot about US Soccer. Retire from a prestigious club, and then go take it easy playing in the MLS.
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And dragging my ADD brain back to the topic at hand, this pisses me off.
I love MLS. I love Raul. I’d love to see them together. But I’m hoping MLS has had enough of the hot guys who don’t take their love seriously.
Enough of the hookups, Raul. Give us a relationship.
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United States -
It is just a fair reflection of where we are, both US soccer and as a country.
Many people from other parts of the world are interested in the US, or they even like us, but we haven’t earned soccer respect yet. I will not hang this on the MLS, it was true with prior US professional league as well. I don’t think George Best or Pele came here to challenge their game.
If we play great soccer, they will come — to play here.
Meanwhile someone should tell Ms. González that Raul would have to take his shirt off after every game ¶de around for the ladies. The lucrative contract would have a “six-pack” provision, a little degrading if you ask me.
Wait! Did anyone consider maybe Raul is just trying to figure out a way to transfer to Milan without ruffling Real feathers?!
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United States -
who cares what his motive is? i don’t. i don’t even like real madrid but i might start a walmart christmas style stampede to see a dude like that in front of my eyes in an actual* game.
*mls game.
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United States -
Perhaps if Americans started calling the sport by its proper name and actually supported local teams as opposed to glory hunting European teams there would be greater respect.
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This is kinda random, but “…”, how do you pronounce your name?
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United States -
Aaron, my guess would be “The Almighty Ellipsis.”
I know that’s how I would pronounce it if it were me.
Posted from
United States -
… is actually pronounced xenophobe…but the x sounds like …
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United States -
Actually Matt I’m a proud local supporter of D.C United. Cheers!
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Где то я это уже видел
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