Raul ready for 'new era'

Schalke new boy relishing new challenge

By Joe Drabble   Last updated: 29th July 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Raul ready for 'new era'

Raul: New challenge

I did have other offers, but in the end, it was an easy decision.

Raul.
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Raul insists it was an 'easy decision' for him to leave Real Madrid and join Schalke.

The Spanish veteran ended his 16-year association with Real this summer with Bundesliga outfit Schalke winning a fierce race for his signature.

English Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United were both in the running for the 33-year-old's services, but in the end Raul claims there was only one club he wanted to join.

"An era in Madrid is over and my new life in Schalke now begins," he said.

Impressed

"I thank Schalke and (manager) Felix Magath for the faith they have shown in me. Of course I now want to pay this faith back.

"My aim is clear - to celebrate huge successes with this club and these fantastic fans. I felt from the very beginning that Schalke really wanted me and that impressed me.

"I did have other offers, but in the end, it was an easy decision. Now I am looking forward to getting to know a new country together with my family.

"My first impression of Germany and above all the people at Schalke is very positive."

Raul also revealed how new Madrid coach Jose Mourinho attempted to persuade him to stay on at the Bernabeu.

The former Spain striker has gained legendary status after becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 323 goals in 741 games.

He added: "We did have a chat, but at that stage, my decision had been made to start a new challenge with Schalke.

"For me, Germany has one of the best leagues in the world. The Bundesliga is very competitive in Europe, which has been seen in the European cup competitions recently.

"Furthermore, the stadia are always full and the atmosphere is always fantastic."

Wish list

Schalke boss Magath thanked Raul's former Real Madrid team-mate Christoph Metzelder for the part he played in luring the Spaniard to Gelsenkirchen.

The German central defender played alongside Raul for the last three seasons at the Bernabeu and the pair will link up once again this term.

"Christoph made the first contact and enabled us to approach Raul," Magath revealed.

"Without him, Raul would probably not be here."

Raul will look to fill the void left by Germany international striker Kevin Kuranyi who has joined Dynamo Moscow.

However, Magath revealed he is still on the lookout for a strike partner to join the Spaniard in attack.

He said: "Raul needs the right assistance for his game. I can only reveal that a new striker is right at the top of our wish list."