Raúl Bids Farewell to Real Madrid

By: Daryl | July 26th, 2010

raul goodbye

Raúl’s departure from Real Madrid was confirmed today, at a packed press conference at the Bernabéu. The legend is 33 now, and not quite able to compete with the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo for a spot in Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven.

You may feel a little sorry for Raúl. Squeezed out of the team he loves by younger talents. Personally I feel bad that the Spain national team suddenly wins the Euros and then the World Cup immediately after Raul quit international football. But don’t feel too bad for him. Not many players get to play 16 years (1994 to 2010) for a club they love, while winning six La Liga titles and three (count ‘em) Champions League trophies.

“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.”

Raúl leaves Madrid as the club’s all time leading goalscorer (either 322 or 323, depending on who you ask) and most appearances. His contribution to the club was so great, it even caused Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez to say something eloquent:

“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.”

How about this for an even better tribute… You know who fans usually turn up at the stadium to welcome a new signing? Well Real Madrid fans turned up at the Bernabéu to thank Raúl and wish him farewell:

So where next? The big rumour is that Raúl will sign with Schalke in Germany, but he’s also suggested a move to the Premier League would work for him too. We’ll wait and see.

With Raúl’s fellow long-timer Guti’s departure yesterday, this is something of a fresh start for new coach Jose Mourinho. Which works out nicely for The Special One. But before we think about the future, how about a blast from the past? Here’s some video of Raúl in his pomp: