Raul has an emotional farewell at the Bernabeu
A very emotional Raul said his final good bye to Real Madrid and all his fans at the Spanish capital on Monday. After fifteen years of playing at the Bernabeu the player was finally going to be on his way out of the club. The club held a farewell ceremony to honor the departure of the iconic number seven and all time leading goal scorer at the club.
"Today is a very difficult day for me," revealed Raul. "I love almost everything about playing football and I want to hold on to the feeling of being a player. I've always done my utmost on the pitch. The word surrender doesn't exist for me or Real Madrid."
He received special praises from the numerous fans that had come to witness this occasion. Raul even though was having his farewell he still managed to include special praise for the Real Madrid legend, Alfredo Di Stefano. Stefano was currently hospitalized and couldn’t attend the ceremony.
"I'd like to thank everybody for their support throughout the years. The fans, my team-mates, coaches, presidents and the press. I want to say a special word of thanks to my family. I'd be nothing without them. I also want to wish Alfredo Di Stefano a speedy recovery."I will always be ready if Real Madrid need me. Hala Madrid!"
The legendary player ended on that note before finally walking of the pitch of the Santiago Bernabeu. The thirty three year old player had made his debut for Real Madrid way back in 1994. He had initially joined Madrid’s city rivals Athletico Madrid but managed to move to Real Madrid and establish himself as the best player to ever walk the fields of the Bernabeu.
The clubs president was also feeling very emotional during this moment and concluded the ceremony by saying, "There are a lot of men who are part of the history of Real Madrid. Raul has earned his place in the club's history with his tireless work for the club and his infinite love and support for everything that's Real Madrid,""I hope that all the players who will join Real Madrid in the future fit the legacy that Raul has left behind at this team. Raul represents everything that this club's about. He has been one of the best players around this club and perfectly represent the spirit of Real Madrid.
"Raul is in charge of his own career and he has made the decision to leave Real Madrid. However, this is not a permanent farewell, as I'm sure he'll return to this club, just like honorary president Alfredo Di Stefano once did. Wherever you go, this will always be your home and you will not be forgotten”
Raul has not yet made it clear as to where he will be playing this coming season. The striker was heavily linked to joining the German Bundesliga with Schalke, but there has been a surge of interest from various English teams as well. It is still quite unclear where the player will be playing but he is set to make a decision in the near future.
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