Spanish star Raul is retiring from soccer in November, after his NASL season with the New York Cosmos. The 38-year-old striker announced his decision on Thursday, saying that he wants to focus on winning a championship in the second-tier league. He signed with the Cosmos last December.
Raul said his move was not an easy one, but he believes it comes at the right time. He says he will decide in the coming months what he wants to do next.
Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese described Raul as one of the world’s most iconic players. He lauded his knowledge, passion, professionalism and commitment.
Raul spent 16 years with Real Madrid. He led the team to four Spanish league titles, four Spanish Super Cups and three UEFA Champions League titles. Raul scored 323 goals for Real Madrid.
He left in 2010 as the team’s career goal-scorer. He later played for Schalke 04 in Germany and Al-Sadd Sports Club of Qatar.