Real Madrid icon Raul announces retirement from football

The 38-year-old intends to hang up his books
after completing the 2015 North American Soccer
League season with the New York Cosmos
Spain and Real Madrid great Raul will retire from
football after completing his current season with
New York Cosmos in November, the club
have confirmed.



Raul made his debut for Real Madrid in 1994,
embarking on a trophy laden 16-year spell with
the club that included six La Liga titles and three
Champions League crowns.

He became the club's all-time record goalscorer
with 323 during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu
– a mark that Cristiano Ronaldo drew level with
when he netted a double in September's Champions League game against Malmo.

The 38-year-old's 44 goals in 102 appearances
for the Spanish national team was also a record
until it was surpassed by David Villa in 2011.
After leaving Madrid, Raul spent two years each
with Bundesliga team Schalke and Qatari side Al
Sadd before signing for New York Cosmos at the
end of 2014.
"My decision is to retire from playing at the end of
this season. I am fully focused on finishing the
season strong and helping the New York Cosmos
win the NASL Championship. In the coming
months I will decide the next step in my career.
"Playing soccer has been part of my life for so
long and the decision to retire is not an easy one
but I believe it is the right time.
"I'm thankful to everyone who has supported me
throughout my career and I look forward to
playing my final games with the New York
Cosmos over the coming weeks."