Raul set to leave Schalke

Schalke have announced experienced striker Raul will leave the Bundesliga club at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old’s contract is set to expire following the conclusion of the 2011/12 campaign, and he has made the decision not to renew his existing deal.

Raul joined Schalke from Real Madrid in July 2010.

He proved to be an important first-team player at the German club, helping guide them to DFB Pokal success and the semi-finals of the Champions League last term.

Raul has made 63 Bundesliga appearances for Schalke so far, scoring 27 goals in the process.

After starting out in the Atletico Madrid youth system, he joined cross-city rivals Real Madrid in 1992, going on to become one of the club’s most consistent performers of the modern era.

He made 550 La Liga appearances for Real, scoring 228 goals.

Raul won six Liga titles, three Champions Leagues and holds a host of individual records. He is the highest ever goal-scorer in Champions League history, with 71 strikes.

The veteran has been linked with a switch to another Bundesliga club, but could also be tempted by the riches on offer in the Middle East.