Raul declines UEFA medal; Zubizarreta, Casillas and Xavi accept
UEFA is paying tribute to La Roja players who have played over one hundred games. Andoni Zubizarreta, Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez will be awarded the commemoratory medals, while distinguished marksman, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Raul-c30652 Gonzalez, has declined to attend.
The trio will be receiving the medallions on Thursday, November 10, at Football City of Las Rozas.
Raul is unavailable for the evening due to prior commitments with Schalke. The German club have a double training session on Thursday and are obliged to play a friendly the following day
The former Los Blancos forward's absence was justified by the German club in a fax sent to the Spanish Football authorities (RFEF).
UEFA decided last September to recognize all the players who have represented their nations consistently on the highest level, and it will be the Spaniards turn this Thursday.
Andoni Zubizarreta, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Iker-Casillas-c16815 and Xavi Hernandez will receive commemorative medals and a cap in a ceremony expected to be attended by illustrious guests.
Barcelona's current sporting director, Zubizarreta, remains the most capped player with 126 appearances. Iker Casillas is not far behind and trails the legendary gloves man by a single appearance.
The last to enter this exclusive club is Xavi Hernandez. His current tally for Spanish national team stands at 105 and recently overtook Raul Gonzalez, who has amassed 102 appearances.
Raul has not played for La Roja in the last five years, his last appearance coming on September 6, 2006.
The event takes place before http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Costa-Rica-c2877 on 12 and 15 November respectively.
In other events lined-up for the day, Spanish team shirt for Euro 2012 will be unveiled in the ‘Luis Aragones Hall.’
RFEF will then present their 'Gold Medal' to Xavi Hernandez in recognition of passing the centenary milestone for La Roja.
Pictures of five goals that are considered most important in the history of Spanish football will also be presented: Telmo Zarra’s goal in 1950, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707 in Euro 2008 and
Andres Iniesta in 2010 FIFA World Cup
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