Raul receives Real praise

Real Madrid star Raul has been lavished with praise by the club's president and new manager as he considers his future.

Raul is said to be 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.

The 32-year-old is unsure whether he will stay at the club he has enjoyed glittering success with as high-profile and younger players arrive at the La Liga giants.

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.

Passion

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.

Happy ending

The Portuguese tactician has not openly put pressure on Raul to leave, though - 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."

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