Real Madrid praise Raul

(GSM) – Real Madrid veteran Raul has been praised by the club president Florentino Perez and new manager Jose Mourinho as he considers his future.

The 32-year-old is reportedly mulling over a move away from Santiago Bernabeu after spending his entire career at the club, which began in 1992 when the Spaniard signed for the youth team.

And the former Spain international is unsure whether he will stay at the club following the arrival of high-profile young players.

But Raul’s exit from Madrid would be met by sadness, according to president Florentino Perez, who said the veteran was an embodiment of the club.

He said: “(He represents) the identity of Real Madrid. He represents the values of the quest for victory and never giving up.

“He always reminds me of (Alfredo) Di Stefano for his passion for victory. He is an example for the club because he has given everything.”

Raul signed a life contract in 2008 which saw his deal automatically renewed once he had played at least 30 games a season.

The club’s all-time top goalscorer achieved that during the last campaign, however he could find repeating the feat more difficult as new manager Jose Mourinho prepares to exert his own influence on the squad.

The Portuguese tactician has not openly put pressure on Raul to leave and explained his success throughout a distinguished career that includes three Champions League triumphs deserved to finish in good spirits.

Mourinho said on Cadena SER: “Raul deserves to be happy. I want Raul to be happy because he deserves it.

“A player that has played at the highest level for many years at Real and with such professionalism deserves to have a happy ending, whatever that may be.”