http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1050883/raul-to-leave-schalke-at-end-of-season?cc=5901 Report that Raul has informed Schalke that he won't re-sign with them, and wants to move to a league outside of Europe. Article mentions Qatar and MLS as possible destinations, but what do we make of this comment: "My sporting future is not in Europe, but rather in another league not as strong as the Bundesliga." Is referring to the quality of the league, or the physical nature?
In Spanish My spanish is not very good, but it appears to mention that the Sounders tried getting him.
Marca says he is going ot Qatar. Although they also said Neymar was signed by Real Madrid but that never happened. These are rumors and we won't know for sure until a club officially announces they have signed him. Raul would thrive in MLS it would be a shame if he went elsewhere.
The Sounders confirmed that they were interested in Raul, but that the interest was back in during the 2010 and that the discussions never got to the point of a formal offer being presented.
He didn't. Ahli officials confirmed this. Why would one of the greatest European players want to sign with a 2nd division Qatari club? (thats basically what Ahli officials said) If anyone cares enough to look, here is an article: http://www.alkass.net/news_details.aspx?news_id=35072 (It's in Arabic, so it will have to be google translated)
I think going forward it means: (in no particular order) 1. China 2. Middle East 3. MLS Raul type players get rumors of going to one of those leagues (Region).
That reminds me when Drew Carey had that photography show on the Travel Channel back in 2006 and waited around for hours to meet and interview Raul and then asked him if he would play for Cleveland (if they ever got a team)
http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1050883/raul-to-leave-schalke-at-end-of-season?cc=5901 Why? He's basically saying he wants to play in a "less competitive" league. Plus if Al-Ahli* is good for Fabio Cannavaro ... *I know, I know, different club, different country.
It wouldn't be that hard to believe if he were moving to the Qatar Stars League. But Al Ahli were relegated to the second division just this year. So yeh, I think that pretty much puts the story to rest. Speaking as someone who keeps up with it, the second division of Qatar is about as competitive as the 10th division of England.
The Union propaganda machine and Philly media are even speculating on Raul and whether the atmosphere at tonight's friendly could convince him to sign with the team/league. http://www.philadelphiaunion.com/news/2012/05/could-atmosphere-ppl-park-help-union-land-raul http://articles.philly.com/2012-05-08/sports/31627183_1_schalke-mls-club-ppl-park And some additional information regarding offers he has/may have received: http://www.philly.com/philly/sports..._expects_Schalke_to_be_a_challenging_foe.html
This deal has be done for a while. All the "to MLS" talk in the past week or so has been pure conjecture and nothing else.
