Raul has announced to leave his club Schlake 04 after this season, affirming that the next destination of the three-time Champions League winner will be outside of Europe.
The 34-year-old soccer player has made landmark records, playing in the top European scenes since 1994. Raul still wants to play, but he will be playing for a "less competitive team".
"After long and careful consideration I have decided not to play for Schalke next season. It took me a very long time to reach this decision and it was a very difficult one for me to take," Raul said in a press conference.
"My future doesn't lie in Europe. I will get together with my agent to discuss the offers we have received. I will then announce where I will go. It will be a less competitive league." he added.
Family was a major reason for leaving the European scene, he explained.
Raul entered Real Madrid when he was a teen in 1994 and played until 2009-10 season. At Real, he scored 323 goals in 741 games and still remains the club's top goal scorer and top appearance maker. He also delivered the La Liga championship six times, Supercopa de España four times, and the Champions League three times.
The Spanish player then moved to the German Bundesliga in 2010, signing a two-year contract with Schalke 04. In the past two seasons, Raul appeared 86 times and scored 36 goals. During his time at Schalke, the club won the German Cup and reached semi-finals of the Champions League in 2011.
The 71 goals scored and 144 games appeared in the UEFA Champions League also gave him the title as record goal scorer and record appearance maker.
Raul hasn't specified which club he will end up yet. He has been liked with clubs in the United States, Asia, and Middle East.
After playing for Schalke 04 for two seasons, he remembered to thank the club and said the club remains part of him.
"I want to thank the club, coaches and coaching staff. I had a wonderful two years here and the club will always be in my heart. I also want to say many thanks to the fans. They are very special, showed me lots respect and affection. It will be emotionally difficult to say goodbye. Schalke will always be a part of my life," said the legendary soccer player.
