Suedesi
Full Member
Raul leaves Real - close to signing with Schalke
Raul signs for Schalke after leaving Real Madrid
Raul signs for Schalke after leaving Real Madrid
He's only 33. Hardly ready for the scrap heap is he?Didn't see it coming, it's a weird move because he doesn't really need Schalke, he's had an excellent career and he should call it quits rather than move to a team that wins nothing.
in what way in your wild imagination is that a good move? Unless it was for big big bucksHe's only 33. Hardly ready for the scrap heap is he?
Good move for him tbh.
Can see it happening.That doesn't even sound right, it's like Giggs signing for Fernabache
Schalke were runners up to Munich, hardly a bad team. I'm surprised they wanted Raul, I guess to replace KuranyiThat doesn't even sound right, it's like Giggs signing for Fernabache
Too true. I guess people are more surprised by where he ended up (Bundesliga). He could have ended up at Spurs or somewhere, but as pointed out already, Schalke isn't exactly a "bad side" and they have the Champions League aswell. I hope he does well and enjoys his experience. Always liked the fella, (and not to mention SAF has always been an admirer)Anyone saying he should have packed it up consider that he still loves playing the game? He's not going to get enough game time at Madrid, and if he's still got the hunger for the game then why not go somewhere that will guarantee you starts?
I agree it's a bit of a strange move, but if he still loves playing then why not see how it pans out?
We should have had a punt,what a legend for our young strikers to look up to and learn from.Too true. I guess people are more surprised by where he ended up (Bundesliga). He could have ended up at Spurs or somewhere, but as pointed out already, Schalke isn't exactly a "bad side" and they have the Champions League aswell. I hope he does well and enjoys his experience. Always liked the fella, (and not to mention SAF has always been an admirer)
I thought the same thing. MLS for sure... And jones has played in all their preseason games.Figured he might move to the States. Good luck to him at Schalke.
Speaking of, any word on Jermaine Jones being fit?
I think it's more that Gelsenkirchen, for anyone that knows it, is quite a difference from Madrid - it's very hard to imagine Raul settling and feeling good there... As football transfers go this one is fairly surreal because of the cultural gulf between the two clubs/cities if nothing else...I think some people have got the wrong idea here, it wasn't a selfish decision by Mourinho, the club or Raul.
Agreed. People associate the Ruhr area with coal, mines and drab and dreary towns. Add to that Schalke's reputation in Germany. Whilst they are currently enjoying some success, they are still probably the least popular and loved club in Germany.I think it's more that Gelsenkirchen, for anyone that knows it, is quite a difference from Madrid - it's very hard to imagine Raul settling and feeling good there... As football transfers go this one is fairly surreal because of the cultural gulf between the two clubs/cities if nothing else...
Gazzetta dello SportSource???
Give it 3 years and he will.Should've gone to the MLS.
Nothing official yet from both clubs it seems.Gazzetta dello Sport
I think that's a fair description. I was expecting to see him at Spurs but Schalke's not an unreasonable choice - he wasn't ready for ornamental semi-retirement (even if the pay might have been higher elsewhere) and he still likes playing. He's still pretty good at it as well - not that I expect anyone on here to believe that.I think some people have got the wrong idea here, it wasn't a selfish decision by Mourinho, the club or Raul. Mourinho told Raul that he appreciates his status at the club and thinks he still could be a big influence at the club, especially for the younger players, but his time on the pitch is going to be gradually decreased as the seasons go on and he was getting relatively little game time as it is, so it was entirely up to him. The club was happy to continue playing his wages - which from what I gather have stayed at the top level for years regardless of form - and would continue to give him a contract until he decided to retire, but Raul decided against it.
He decided that although he loves the club, he understood the reasoning behind his proposed lack of game time and he would rather finish his career playing regularly, and so he had a decision about which club to go to. The reason he chose Schalke, I'd presume, is because they're a young team - Westermann(26), Farfan(25), Neuer(24), Rafinha(24), Howedes(22), Rakitic(22), Schmitz(21), Moritz(20) and Matip(18) all in the top 11 starters last season - and they're steadily improving, with a chance to be a threat in the Champions League and he'll know he's looked up to and that his experience is highly valued at the club, he'll feel adored for a time again.
Ignornat cnut.in what way in your wild imagination is that a good move? Unless it was for big big bucks
True, but the vultures are circling.This transfer isnt done yet, a little premature..