• Free transfer to Bundesliga ends Spurs’ hopes
• ‘He will be an inspiration. His qualities will help us’
Real Madrid’s Raúl has signed a two-year deal with Schalke, the Bundesliga club have confirmed, despite considerable interest shown in the forward by Tottenham and Newcastle. The player commented earlier this week: “My future lies in Germany or England.”
Raúl bid an emotional farewell to Madrid on Monday, bringing the curtain down on a 16-year career at the Bernabéu. He had long been expected to go to Schalke on a free transfer, despite speculation that he may move to England, and has now completed his move.
The Schalke coach Felix Magath told the club website: “It’s great news for FC Schalke 04. I am pleased that we have succeeded in such an exceptional footballer and world-class striker switching to the Bundesliga. He will be an inspiration. His qualities will help us.
“His commitment is a crucial step in our efforts to strengthen the squad for future tasks, and to restructure. I look forward to working with this good professional.”
Raúl was a key part of one of Madrid’s most successful sides ever, winning three Champions League trophies and 16 titles in total, but was only a bit-part player last season and has decided to end his career elsewhere.
The former Madrid captain had been at the Bernabéu since joining their youth team in 1992 and is the club’s all-time top goalscorer, with 323 goals in 741 games.
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