Raul joined Schalke on a free transfer after 15 seasons with the Spanish club, ending lengthy speculation about the move. The club presented the 33-year-old striker at its stadium in Gelsenkirchen, giving him the number seven shirt.
Raul said, “For me it’s a special day because I am leaving behind the club I have been with for 16 years, Real Madrid. But I have the feeling that I am starting a new challenge. I am delighted by the faith that has been placed in me, especially by Schalke 04 coach Felix Magath, who from the start has shown that he wanted this moved to become reality.”
Raul made his Madrid debut as a 17-year-old in 1994 and had stayed with the club since then – a span that includes three Champions League triumphs, six Spanish league titles and two Intercontinental Cups.
He leaves with 228 league goals for Madrid, and a record 44 goals in 102 appearances for Spain, though he hasn’t played for the national team since 2006. Raul is also the leading scorer in UEFA competitions with 66 goals, including 64 in the Champions League.