Raul has had a phenomenal career, and he ends it as a champion.
The former Real Madrid and Schalke man helped New York Cosmos to a 3-2 victory over Ottawa Fury in the championship game of the North American Soccer League on Sunday.
A late Ottawa goal ensured some nervy final moments, but the Cosmos prevailed, providing a fitting send-off to Raul and fellow former Spanish international Marcos Senna, who is also retiring.
Raul Announces Retirement from Football: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction
Oct 15, 2015
New York Cosmos player Raul Gonzalez listens to a question during a press conference ahead of their friendly soccer match against Cuba's national team in Havana, Cuba, Monday, June 1, 2015. While the two governments have yet to reopen embassies after nearly half a year of complicated negotiations, Havana has been flooded by a surge of U.S. tourists, as well as delegations of lawmakers, businesspeople and athletes. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan)
Real Madrid legend and current New York Cosmos forward Raul has officially announced his plans to retire from football at the end of the NASL season in November.
The 38-year-old confirmed the news on Thursday, via the club's official website:
When I signed for the New York Cosmos in December, I said I would evaluate how I felt towards the end of the year and assess whether I would continue to play.
My decision is to retire from playing at the end of this season. I am fully focused on finishing the season strong and helping the New York Cosmos win the NASL Championship. In the coming months I will decide the next step in my career.
Playing soccer has been part of my life for so long and the decision to retire is not an easy one but I believe it is the right time.
I'm thankful to everyone who has supported me throughout my career and I look forward to playing my final games with the New York Cosmos over the coming weeks.
One World Sports shared video of the veteran striker explaining why he's retiring:
Raul was one of the most feared strikers in the world during his time with Real Madrid, where he became the club's all-time leading scorer in a period stretching over 15 years. Cristiano Ronaldo recently tied his incredible haul of 323 goals, per AS English.
FourFourTweet shared his full statistics for club and country:
With Los Blancos, Raul won three UEFA Champions League titles and six La Liga crowns. He was voted best Spanish player in La Liga a record five times and added two top-scorer's titles, via the Cosmos' official website.
In his prime, Raul was the face of a Real Madrid squad that dominated Europe, forming incredible attacking partnerships with Fernando Morientes and Brazilian Ronaldo.
He remained with Los Blancos until 2010, when he completed a shock move to Schalke 04. Raul had two more strong seasons in the Bundesliga before moving to Al Sadd and ending up in New York.
International silverware always eluded him, as he never managed to win a major trophy with Spain.
Raul's announcement not only comes with weeks left in the NASL season, but also as his scoring record with Real is set to be broken by Ronaldo.
As reported by SNTV, even he felt honoured to equal the Spaniard:
While there will undoubtedly be a big ceremony for Raul back in Madrid, fans in New York will get to watch the legendary forward ply his trade for a couple more weeks before they have to say goodbye.
It would be some performance if he could wave farewell to the game with an NASL Championship under his belt, but given the incredible amount of trophies he gathered during his career, it would only be fitting.
New York Cosmos Star Gaston Cellerino Talks NASL and Playing with Raul
Sep 11, 2015
NEW YORK — The United States has become a hot destination for South American footballers over the last few years, with many American clubs looking south to improve their rosters.
The New York Cosmos recently followed the growing trend by signing Argentine forward Gaston Cellerino in August. Cellerino admits that there are more conversations about playing in the North American Soccer League and Major League Soccer in his home continent every day.
"It’s something that we talk about a lot in South America. When I was playing in Chile and Argentina, we talked about how the leagues in the United States are growing. That was definitely something that drew me here. I’m excited to play here and in the NASL," Cellerino told Bleacher Report through a translator.
Before joining the Cosmos, Cellerino put together a solid scoring resume in Chile with the Santiago Wanderers. Cellerino scored 17 goals in 57 matches with the Chilean side, beginning in 2013. His most prolific spell before that came in 2008 with Rangers de Talca in Chile. He netted 22 strikes that season and earned a move to Livorno in Italy.
When he thought about his next move, Cellerino considered the United States because of the challenge it presented to players like himself.
"Personally I saw this as a challenge after talking with players from different leagues I’ve been in. I want to help football in the United States grow, and particularly the leagues in the United States grow. I was looking for a new experience and wanted to enjoy myself in a different way," Cellerino said.
"I think that’s another part of the allure for other players coming from South America: the challenge of playing in the United States and succeeding and helping the growth of the league."
As any forward is expected to do, Cellerino will be counted on to score plenty of goals for the Cosmos during the NASL's fall season. The Cosmos are third in the fall table but first in the overall table heading into their September 12 home match with the Jacksonville Armada. (The NASL season is split into two distinct sections, spring and fall.)
“I know that my job here is to score goals. I’m a strong player. I think that I’m good at putting myself in good situations in the box. I think I’m able to challenge defenders by getting in the air with my head," Cellerino said. "I want to help this team in whatever way I can, but I know it’s my job to come in and be able to score goals."
Through 21 games in the entire NASL season, the Cosmos are second in the league in scoring with 35 goals. Only Minnesota United FC (37 goals) has a higher scoring output than Giovanni Savarese's side.
Cellerino's scoring abilities should be enhanced in training each day as he partners with Spanish legend Raul in the Cosmos attack. As one would expect, Cellerino is enjoying his time with his new strike partner.
“Any player would relish the opportunity to play with Raul," Cellerino said. "I'm just trying to get myself in the best possible shape to be able to combine with him on the field, and I’m really looking forward to that."
He also added he's been able to assimilate into the group just fine since his arrival.
Cellerino (left) in action with Livorno in 2009
"Since I’ve been training here, I’ve enjoyed the environment," Cellerino said. "It’s a lot like a family, and I’m starting to fit in pretty well up here."
Two qualities that the American leagues are known for are the various climates games are played in and the high amount of travel required. Cellerino will be banking on his time in South America to prepare for those particular challenges.
“I think it’s definitely different here with the amount of travel and distance," he said. "Temperature-wise, my body will adjust. I have experience playing in high and low temperatures from my time in Chile and Argentina. I’m welcoming the challenge."
If Cellerino continues to work well with the squad in training and is able to make a strong transition, the Cosmos should be able to rely on him often during the stretch run of the regular season.
The New York Cosmos host Jacksonville on September 12 at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, New York.
Raul Q&A: Cosmos Star on NASL, Real Madrid and Ronaldo Breaking His Goal Record
May 22, 2015
Five years after leaving Real Madrid, Raul Gonzalez finds himself in unfamiliar footballing territory.
Following stops in Germany with Schalke and in Qatar with Al Sadd, the legendary striker now plays for a legendary club in the United States, the New York Cosmos.
The Cosmos play in the North American Soccer League, the second tier of professional soccer in the U.S. If both the Cosmos and the NASL sound familiar, they should. The latter takes its name from the original North American Soccer League, which operated from 1968-1984 and found great success in America thanks to the presence of famous players such as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff.
Pele was the most recognizable face of that original Cosmos side, and now, in its second iteration, the club is using a similar strategy with another legendary figure: Raul.
Now 37, Raul began his Real Madrid career back in 1994, when he became the club's youngest first-team player, and stayed until 2010. Over the following 16 years, he became the team's all-time leading scorer with 323 goals, a record that still stands, and helped the Blancos win six league titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.
The success continued at Schalke, where he netted 40 goals in 98 appearances and led the German side to the Champions League semifinals in 2011. He left the Bundesliga club with the all-time record for Champions League goals, a mark that has since been surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Raul recently spoke with B/R's Michael Cummings as he prepared for the Cosmos' NASL home match against the San Antonio Scorpions on Saturday. He spoke about adjusting to life in the NASL, where he often plays on artificial turf, as well as Real Madrid's current season.
Here's what the Real Madrid legend said.
Bleacher Report: How are you enjoying life with the Cosmos so far?
Raul: I am very happy. It's been a good experience for me. All the club and the team, we've started the season in the right way. We are in first position in the league, but we know that we have to continue in the same way.
BR: The Cosmos are such a historic club. Have you interacted with Pele at all?
Raul: Yes, I had a meeting with him a few months ago. Pele is one of the best players in the history of soccer, of football, and also he was very important for this club 30 years ago. When I spoke with him, he only had good words for me.
BR: What has it been like to play on artificial turf? Has it been tough transitioning to a different playing surface?
Raul: Yes, it’s been tough. The intensity and speed of the ball on turf are very different. I try to control it the best I can, and with every day and every game I feel better, like I’m getting used to it.
BR: Have you changed anything in your style of play since joining the Cosmos?
Raul: No, not really. I love playing as a striker, but I have different roles in the team now, at times getting the ball to the midfielder and also making good combination play with my team-mates. But the most important thing is to try to get the points.
BR: Let's talk about Real Madrid. What are your overall thoughts about their current season?
Raul: I think it was a good season, but when you don't win a title, that's not good at Real Madrid. But they were in the semi-finals [of the Champions League] against Juventus. In the league, they had a good few months until the last game.
In the last game, it was difficult for them because they couldn't win the title, and for Real Madrid, this is not good. But it is normal in football, and I'm looking forward to the next season, when hopefully Real Madrid can win the title.
BR: What can Real do to put themselves ahead of Barcelona next season?
Raul: Every season is very difficult. Barcelona are very strong. They have won the league and are in the Champions League final. At Real Madrid, they have a good team, and they have to continue the same to fight and play well to win the title, and sometimes you can do it, but it is difficult.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MAY 17: Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF gives thumbs up during the La Liga match between RCD Espanyol and Real Madrid CF at Cornella-El Prat Stadium on May 17, 2015 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BR: There has been plenty of speculation about Iker Casillas leaving the club. Do you think he should experience a new environment at the end of his career, as you've done, or should he stay?
Raul: No, I can't say. It will be his decision
BR: Ronaldo recently broke your scoring record in the Champions League. How did that feel for you?
Raul: It’s OK. I'm very proud. I set the record at Real Madrid in the Champions League, but Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world. He has scored in every game, and I think it is normal that he broke my record.
BR: What advice would you have for Ronaldo at this stage of his career?
Raul: He is a very good player. I was lucky to play with him at Real Madrid. He is very professional. He is a hard worker, and I hope he continues to work hard, score goals and win titles for Real Madrid
BR: Since you left Real Madrid, you've played with Schalke and Al Saad, and now you're in New York with the Cosmos. What can you say about all the different places you've played?
Raul: Every year for me, it’s been a different mentality and culture. The European leagues and teams are more competitive, very technical. It was good to work in Qatar—a good experience for me for the future. In the USA, the teams and the players are improving every season. Our league is very competitive, and I think the physical aspect of the game is very strong here, but we need to keep improving the level of the game.
BR: Will this be your last stop as a professional footballer?
Raul: Yes, I think so. I will decide after this season if I will play another year, but that will be decided later.
All quotes were gathered firsthand. New York Cosmos face San Antonio Scorpions at home this Saturday, kick-off at 7 p.m. ET.
New York Cosmos Make NASL Championship Game: Good or Bad for the League?
Oct 31, 2013
The New York Cosmos making the championship game of the North American Soccer League, Soccer Bowl, is nothing new. The mega-team of the 1970s and early 1980s that featured Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, Georgio Chinaglia, Carlos Alberto, Vladislav Bogicevic and Andranik Eskandarian appeared in the match six times, winning five.
But that was years ago. The rebirth of the NASL as the United States' and Canada's second division, behind Major League Soccer, is now in its third season. When the league kicked off its third season, only seven teams comprised it. The new New York Cosmos joined the league in August for the fall season.
Traditionally, new teams tend to struggle. But there are exceptions to the rule. Western Sydney Wanderers of Australia's A-League won the regular-season title in their inaugural season and lost in the Grand Final to Central Coast Mariners. The Chicago Fire of MLS not only won the league title in their first season, they pulled the double by winning the U.S. Open Cup as well.
Now the Cosmos can add themselves to the list of instant successes. Led by coach Giovanni Savarese, New York clinched the Fall Season championship with a game to spare.
By winning the Fall Season, the Cosmos earned a spot in Soccer Bowl, which will be played November 9th in Atlanta against the Spring Season champion Silverbacks.
A team that didn't even play the first 12 matches of the season will be playing for the league championship. Is that really fair or good for the league?
Despite being rather strange, the Cosmos playing in the championship despite the unusual circumstances is fair and good for the league.
Split season championships aren't anything unusual. Most leagues in Central and South America have "apertura" and "clausura" seasons. Some leagues keep dual champions, while others have a playoff between the two season winners for the ultimate champion.
Granted, those leagues generally don't have the teams change in the middle of the season. But the Cosmos joining halfway through really isn't an advantage. They shouldn't be treated any differently than a team that finished bottom of the table in the first half, only to rally to win the second half.
The cache of the Cosmos brand and the New York market giving the fledgling NASL some much-needed exposure. If the Tampa Bay Rowdies or the Carolina RailHawks won the Fall Season to face Atlanta, would the league be getting the exposure it is now?
That exposure will be key as the league is slated to bring in five expansion teams over the next two seasons—Indianapolis (Indy Eleven), Northern Virginia (Virginia Cavalry) and Ottawa (Ottawa Fury) in 2014; Oklahoma City and Jacksonville in 2015.
The early success of the Cosmos does bring up the fear that the team will dominate the NASL for years to come. With no promotion or relegation to and from MLS, the Cosmos would be able to win title after title, which may ultimately harm the league. The NASL currently has no salary cap or other restrictions to keep parity within the league.
But as soccer in the United States continues to grow and become more popular, more quality professional teams are needed to give players opportunities and fans more chances to see the beautiful game in person. A country as large as the U.S. needs more than a 24-team top league, as many soccer fans still do not live within 100 miles of a high-level pro team.
Despite the fears of a dynasty in the making, the NASL needs the Cosmos to be successful to make the league attractive for years to come.
