Friday 16 October 2015 07:21, UK
Former Real Madrid and Spain striker Raul will retire from football next month after finishing the current season with the New York Cosmos.
The 38-year-old joined the Cosmos of the North American Soccer League, a level below Major League Soccer, in December but has decided to call it a day after a single campaign.
"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," Raul said.
"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.
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."
Raul enjoyed a glittering career in his homeland, spending 16 years with Madrid during which time he won six La Liga and three Champions League titles.
Spells with Schalke and Qatari-based Al-Sadd Sports Club then followed for Raul, who also scored 44 goals in 102 appearances for Spain.
Cosmos head coach, Giovanni Savarese, said: "Raul is one of the world's most iconic players. I knew when we signed him what he would bring on pitch but his knowledge, passion, professionalism and commitment has exceeded my expectations.
"In less than a year, Raul has become a big part of the team and he will always remain part of the Cosmos family."
The Cosmos have already punched their ticket to the NASL post-season by finishing top of the standings in the spring season. They sit third in the fall season standings and top in the combined standings.
