Dusseldorf fan Raul gets Meier backing

Fortuna Dusseldorf coach Norbert Meier says Schalke would be crazy not to extend the contract of striker Raul.

The former Spain and Real Madrid legend’s contract expires in the summer and while Meier was full of praise for the 34-year-old, he dismissed rumours his 2. Bundesliga team could make a move for the veteran.

Raul, who lives in Dusseldorf, recently revealed he is a supporter of his local club and Meier confirmed the player has immersed himself in fan culture.

“I think he’s really comfortable here. He enjoys the freedom, going out in the street without constantly having to constantly sign autographs,” Meier told Goal.com.

“He has already visited us before and worn a Fortuna scarf. He even knows a few Fortuna songs.”

However, Meier explained he has no hope of signing Raul, even if Fortuna are promoted to the Bundesliga.

“But it also must be said, what we can offer him and what Schalke can give him are worlds apart. He is of course a world-class player and a good man – Schalke would do well to extend his contract,” Meier said.

Looking ahead to Fortuna’s DFB Pokal clash with Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, the coach said he would have preferred to face the Bundesliga champions with Mario Gotze, who is sidelined until January due to a thigh injury.

“First of all, Mario Gotze is a great footballer. I’m not one to cry ‘hurrah!’ when such a great player is hurt,” he said.

“For us, the DFB Pokal is a bonus game and I would look forward even more to facing Borussia with their best 11.”

However, Meier added that Dortmund will still field a quality line-up in the absence of the 19-year-old attacker.

“BVB became German champions not only because of Mario Gotze, though, and have enough players who can replace him,” he said.