The Schalke manager insisted that the Spaniard is yet to make a decision regarding his future after the club offered him a one-year extension.
Huub Stevens has reiterated his desire to see Raul plying his trade at the club beyond this season. The striker will run out of his contract at the end of this campaign and is likely to part ways with the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Royal-95-c40387 Blues. However,
the former Spain international could agree extending his deal at the club if the bosses are prepared to offer him a two-year extension.
Schalke bosses are keen to retain the versatile striker at the Veltins-Arena for one more year which is unacceptable on Raul’s part. The veteran attacker has already voiced his desire to leave the club for possibly another stint
in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/United-States-c3034.
The Gelsenkirchen tactician wants Raul to agree to this offer as the club would need him badly if they want to challenge the likes of Bayern Munich or Borussia Dortmund for the title next season. However, he confirmed that it is
up to http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Raul-c30652 to decide about and the Schalke will not force him to make a decision.
Stevens mentioned that Raul is a complete team player and has done remarkably well since arriving from Real Madrid in 2010. He hailed the striker’s efforts this season which have allowed Schalke to qualify for the quarter-final
of the UEFA Europa League.
While talking to reporters ahead of their quarter-final first-leg against Athletic Bilbao, the boss further added: "I am not surprised by Raul's displays, I knew about his quality. He is a great team player. If he stays at Schalke
or not, you will have to ask him."
On the other hand, Stevens is confident going into the game against the La Liga side on Thursday, March 29. He urged his players to respect their opponents and is confident of a positive result in the first-leg.
"We know Athletic and what their qualities are. There was no need to ask them, but if there is some surprise in their starting line-up, we will search for information," the manager concluded.
Schalke are currently nine points adrift of Borussia Dortmund in the league standings and will return to the Bundesliga action on Sunday, April 1, against Hoffenheim.
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