Would Raul prove a success in the Premier League?

Real Madrid legend Raul has been released from his contract today.

He was expected to sign for Bundesliga side Schalke but the deal is yet to be completed and the veteran striker has revealed that he isn’t adverse to a move to the Premier League.

Speculation

Raul told Sky Sports news: “The German team is interested in me and I have had very deep discussions with them.

“In a few days I will know whether I’ll be going to the Bundesliga, but there are other teams that are also interested. What is clear is that my future lies in Germany or England.”

That statement seems to indicate that there is interest from England in signing the former-Spanish international. Premier League sides Newcastle and Tottenham are believed to be interested in signing the 33 year-old.

A move to Tottenham may appeal to the striker with Champions League football on offer next season. There is also the added bonus of being able to live in the English capital, from one capital to another.

Regular Action

Next season Raul was not sure of getting regular first team action at Real. New Real boss Jose Mourinho tends to favour the 4-3-3 system with just one central striker and Gonzalo Higuain is currently the main striker at the Bernabeu.

Maybe Raul realised that it will prolong his career if he moves elsewhere. He is obviously not a guy who is prepared to sit on the bench and collect his pay cheque.

Legend

Legend is a word used far too often when it comes to footballers but Raul is a true Real Madrid legend. The striker is Madrid’s record ever goal scorer and also his countries record ever scorer with 44 goals.

Raul still had a year left on his contract but out of respect Real decided to allow the striker to leave the club. They could have insisted he stay and see out his contract but they did the honourable thing and let him pursue a new challenge elsewhere.

Positioning

Raul’s game was always based on hardwork and his ability to be in the right place at the right time. He has never been the most technically gifted footballer but what he lacks in technique he makes up for with his football brain and sheer determination.

He is a clever player and I still believe he could do a decent job in the Premier League. He is a goalscorer and they are always hard to find. Even in the twilight of his career he could still score goals in the English top flight, although he only found the net five times last season in La Liga.

MLS

Raul has also been linked with a move to join French star Thierry Henry in the MLS. Before the former-Barca player joined New York Red Bulls Raul was being linked with a move to the Big Apple. However they can’t have both players in their squad.

I’m sure there are other MLS franchises who would gladly snap up the Spaniard. He would add even more interest in the league worldwide. It could be a clever move by whoever signs the veteran. I don’t believe he will end up in the MLS though.

Last Chance

Raul sees his release as his last chance to experience a new lifestyle. He revealed: “This is my last chance to experience a foreign league,”

“I am 33 and wanted to experience new training techniques and a new language and culture for my family.”

Whatever happens to Raul in the future he will always be remembered as a Real Madrid legend and whenever he returns to his home city he will receive a hero’s welcome. For Raul his career still has another chapter to be written, as his story is not completed just yet.