Former Real Madrid forward, Raul Gonzalez Blanco, has announced that he would retire from the sport at the end of the North American Soccer League season in November.
The 38 year old, who won a host of trophies with Real during a stellar career, including three UEFA Champions League crowns and six La Liga titles, made his debut in April for the New York Franchise in the North American Soccer League.
Raul started his professional career in the 1994–95 season with Real Madrid FC where he scored 13 goals in just seven games and was swiftly promoted to the first team by coach Jorge Valdano.
The Spanish professional footballer became the youngest player ever to play for his club’s senior side at age 17 and 124 days, though the record was broken by Alberto Rivera later that same season.
Real Madrid confirmed on July 25, 2010 that Raul would be leaving the club, a day after his teammate Guti confirmed he was also leaving after a 15-year spell.
Raul, who serves as a technical adviser for the Cosmos Youth Academy, is expected to take over on a full-time basis after he retires.