Marca invited Raul to its first ever open forum to present the legend award to ‘El Capitan’, who was accompanied by Jorge Valdano, Raul’s former Real Madrid coach and idol.
Members of the press, readers and other stakeholders were present and thus ‘El Capitan’ answered questions from the press.
Speaking about the Madrid Derby, Raul was confident in his team’s victory but at the same time stated that Atletico Madrid will be a difficult side to win against due their goal scoring talents and the boost of confidence against Barcelona last week. He stated that his side’s aim is to reduce the gap between Barcelona and Real Madrid to as small as possible before reaching El Classico.
Talking of the UEFA Champions league clash against Liverpool, Raul declared that his side must score two goals.
"The defeat [in the first-leg was tough to take, because we had a lot of desire, but we know that we will have our chances and we will not give up. The history of Madrid obliges us to play 90 minutes, 120, whatever it might be. We have the capacity to win everything," he declared.
Looking to the future, ‘El Siete’ added "I would like to win another Copa Del Rey, as I have lost two finals."
"I have a contract until 2011 and then I will decide about what I do, both in the interests of my family and myself. My intention is stay connected to the club but if I leave, I would like to go further than the Premier League, to somewhere like the United States."
When asked about his future with the ‘La seleccion’, whether he will play as a third striker, ‘El Capitan’ was very quick in replying and said “Yes”.
"It is a very easy question. I would return as a third forward and would like the space too," he further explained.
"If the coach calls me up, I will return with Spain, the number is irrelevant. I began playing with the number 10, but after missing the penalty against France I moved to 7. My desire is to be able to return if the coach sees fit."
Speaking about the award, he said it was an honour and doesn’t think he will win the Ballon d’Or in his career.
"I am already too late. I have been close, but not anymore. I feel happy with the Marca legend award, that can be more important," stated Raul.
The following day, in his press conference, Jorge Valdano, Real Madrid’s coach in the 90’s, the man who is credited for giving Raul his Real Madrid debut back in 1994 against Real Zaragoza, praised the club’s top marksman for his legendary service to the club.
“Raul is a superior player. He is a footballer 24 hours of the day and he is always enthusiastic about the game,” said the Argentine.
“He never commits the same mistakes twice and he turns each game into his own playground.
“I remember in one of his very first training sessions, one of the veterans kicked him down, but Raul got up and he immediately looked for that player. This was his way of showing that he knows no fear.”
Raul expressed gratitude to the coach he refers to as his ‘father’. There is a good friendship between the two, a proof of which is the fact that Raul named his first-born child Jorge.
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