Raul has bid farewell to Real Madrid following 16 years at the Santiago Bernabeu, but has said he will always remain loyal to the club that gave him his chance as a 17-year-old.

The forward was a key part of one of Los Merengues's most successful sides ever, winning three UEFA Champions League trophies and 16 titles in total, but was only a bit-part player last season and has decided to end his career elsewhere.

"It's a hard day for me," he said at a press conference today. "I feel like a footballer still and I will keep on playing, but I will always be loyal to Real Madrid. I have tried to give everything in my time here."

Raul is expected to sign for Bundesliga club Schalke and he believes the time is right for a new challenge. "A new period starts today," he said. "I have been happy at Real Madrid and I will always be willing to help the club in whatever it needs."

There are many men who form part of the legend of Real Madrid, but few that are chosen to embody the club - Raul is one of those.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez

Real president Florentino Perez also paid tribute to the departing idol. "We will never forget Raul," he said. "There are many men who form part of the legend of Real Madrid, but few that are chosen to embody the club - Raul is one of those."

Raul scored 323 goals in 741 games for Real, as well as 44 in 102 appearances for Spain. His departure follows that of midfielder Guti, who had spent just a year less than Raul (15) in the first team.

The departing Real Madrid captain added, meanwhile, that he is considering a move to England following his departure from the Santiago Bernabeu, denying a deal with Schalke is already done. The veteran striker had been expected to sign for Schalke, possibly as early as this afternoon, but the 33-year-old says a move to the Premiership is also a possibility.

"The German team is interested in me and I have had very deep discussions with them," he said. "In a few days I will know whether I'll be going to the Bundesliga, but there are other teams that are also interested. What is clear is that my future lies in Germany or England," he added.

Tottenham and Newcastle have been linked with the veteran striker, while Liverpool and Manchester United have also been mentioned as possible destinations for the Madrid idol.