Raul and Guti end long Real Madrid tenures
Real Madrid players Raul and Guti have announced they are to leave Real Madrid, ending tenures of 18 and 25 years respectively.
Striker Raul had been expected to join German team Schalke on a two-year contract, but denied that a deal had been struck. "I have had very deep discussions with Schalke but there are other teams that are also interested. My future lies in Germany or England," he said at a press conference.
The former Spain international has played 741 games for Real and scored 323 goals, while he netted 44 in 102 appearances for his country and became the all-time top goalscorer for the national side. His goals helped Real claim six La Liga titles and three Champions League wins. Raul joined the Bernebau club in 1992 and made his first-team debut at the age of 17 in October 1994 against Real Zaragoza. The 33-year-old was appointed captain of the club in 2003, holding that role until his departure. He also became the first player to bag 50 goals in the Champions League, when he scored in a 2-1 group stage win over Olympiakos in 2005.
If the move to Schalke fails to go ahead, Raul is reportedly interesting the likes of English Premier League teams Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle, while Manchester United and Liverpool have also been mentioned as potential suitors for the Madrid legend.
The striker revealed that his exit was not an easy one, saying: "This is a very tough and difficult day. Football has been my life and Real Madrid my home. Together we have lived unique moments. 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. A new period starts today. I have been happy at Real Madrid and I will always be willing to help the club in whatever it needs."
Tribute was paid to the Bernebau idol by Real president Florentino Perez, who said: "We will never forget Raul. There are many men who form part of the legend of Real Madrid but few that are chosen to embody the club - Raul is one of those."
Guti leaves for Turkey
Meanwhile, Guti has signed with Besiktas of Turkey. The 33-year-old had one year left on his deal with last season’s La Liga runners-up, but decided his tenure at the club had come to an end. The midfielder signed with the Spanish giants in 1985 and joined the club’s youth set-up. He initially played as a striker, but was soon shifted back into midfield. During his time with the Madrid club, Guti helped the team to five La Liga and three Champions League titles.
Prior to signing a two-year contract with the Turkish outfit, he said: "I am leaving with the knowledge that the Real Madrid family loves me and that's very important. It wasn't an easy decision. But I have a good offer from Besiktas, an interesting one, now we'll see." The former Spain international made his first-team debut in 1995, making 542 appearances and scoring 86 goals. He also made 14 appearances for his country, scoring three times.
Managing director Jorge Valdano, who gave Guti his first call-up as coach, said: "He is a special player who managed to surprise us in every game. A true Madridista . . . one of our own is leaving."
Despite both players having been at Real Madrid for many years, neither have managed to win the Copa Del Rey, with the team’s last victory in the competition being in the 1992-93 season.
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