Raul off to US Major League for career swansong

Raúl González Blanco appears set to end his illustrious career in the United States Major League after the New York Red Bulls offered the Real Madrid legend a juicy contract for next season. It would mean an end to a glorious 17-year career in the Bernabeu, where the striker has contributed to six La Liga titles, four Spanish Supercups, three Champions League trophies, two Intercontintal Cups and a European Supercup.

Ever since a fresh-faced 17 year-old Raul broke onto the scene with a dashing performance against Real Zaragoza in La Romareda, he has racked up 364 goals in 816 matches, averaging just under a goal every two matches. His finest season came in 2000/2001 when he totalled 32 goals in 50 matches in all competitions. He reached 100 La Liga goals at just 22 years of age with a goal against Zaragoza and is the all-time leading goalscorer in Clasicos with 15 goals against Barcelona. A Real Madrid legend in every meaning of the accolade.

Rauls current contract with Madrid runs until 2011, although if he feels like spending more time on the pitch than the bench at this stage in his career, a move to the America would provide him with just that, with Real Madrid unlikely to provide any obstacles to the move. He might also be tempted by New Yorks plan to unite him with Thierry Henry and Paolo Maldini, as they seek to build a European Legends elect. If New York pulled it off, it would be a fantastic signing for the Major League. He might not be the player he was, and he receives plenty of flak, even from his own fans, but he can still stick the ball in the net and is no less fit now than he was when he stepped on the Romareda turf 17 years ago. A tough decision awaits for 'El Ferrari'.