Raul is set to hang up his boots on Sunday, and New
York Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese hailed the
former Real Madrid star.
New York Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese has paid
tribute to "ambassador" Raul as the Spain great prepares for his
final match before retirement.
Raul is set to bring an end to a glittering career that included a
trophy-laden 16-year spell with Real Madrid, where his medal
haul included six La Liga and three Champions League titles. He
was also the club's record goal-scorer until Cristiano Ronaldo
surpassed him earlier this season.
After spells with Schalke and Al Sadd, Raul moved to the
Cosmos at the end of 2014, but the former Spain international
confirmed that the current season will be his last.
Raul has the chance to go out on a high when the Cosmos take
on Ottawa Fury in the final of the North American Soccer League
on Sunday.
And Savarese praised the impact of the 38-year-old on the
Cosmos.
"It was great to have Raul in our squad as an ambassador. He
has been an example on and off the pitch," he told AS.
"He's well-known [in the United States]. Very few players are as
respected as Raul.
"Raul will do whatever he wants [in retirement]. He'll be what he
wants. Whatever path he chooses he will be ready for personal
success.
"I've no doubt he'll continue to be linked to the sport. I'm sure
that football will always be linked to him. The feeling of the fans
towards him is a result of his strong bond with football.
"Raul is a very demanding player. Every game is a final for him.
He has contributed a lot to achieve important things."
It will also be the final match for Raul's Cosmos team-mate
Marcos Senna, who won Euro 2008 with Spain.
"There is great admiration for both because they are very good
professionals. The Cosmos have grown and they're part of that,"
Savarese added.
"More than telling my grandchildren I coached Raul, I'll say I
coached one of the greatest people I've ever met. And it's the
same with Senna."
York Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese hailed the
former Real Madrid star.
New York Cosmos head coach Giovanni Savarese has paid
tribute to "ambassador" Raul as the Spain great prepares for his
final match before retirement.
Raul is set to bring an end to a glittering career that included a
trophy-laden 16-year spell with Real Madrid, where his medal
haul included six La Liga and three Champions League titles. He
was also the club's record goal-scorer until Cristiano Ronaldo
surpassed him earlier this season.
After spells with Schalke and Al Sadd, Raul moved to the
Cosmos at the end of 2014, but the former Spain international
confirmed that the current season will be his last.
Raul has the chance to go out on a high when the Cosmos take
on Ottawa Fury in the final of the North American Soccer League
on Sunday.
And Savarese praised the impact of the 38-year-old on the
Cosmos.
"It was great to have Raul in our squad as an ambassador. He
has been an example on and off the pitch," he told AS.
"He's well-known [in the United States]. Very few players are as
respected as Raul.
"Raul will do whatever he wants [in retirement]. He'll be what he
wants. Whatever path he chooses he will be ready for personal
success.
"I've no doubt he'll continue to be linked to the sport. I'm sure
that football will always be linked to him. The feeling of the fans
towards him is a result of his strong bond with football.
"Raul is a very demanding player. Every game is a final for him.
He has contributed a lot to achieve important things."
It will also be the final match for Raul's Cosmos team-mate
Marcos Senna, who won Euro 2008 with Spain.
"There is great admiration for both because they are very good
professionals. The Cosmos have grown and they're part of that,"
Savarese added.
"More than telling my grandchildren I coached Raul, I'll say I
coached one of the greatest people I've ever met. And it's the
same with Senna."
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