Raul says emotional goodbye to Real Madrid

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

End of an era: Raul is leaving Real Madrid after 16 years and 17 seasons Credit: Photo: EPA

The Real captain was a key part of one of the club's most successful sides ever, winning three 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. "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 the striker says 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."

Madrid 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 Madrid, 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.

Guti is expected to join Besiktas in Turkey and on his departure said he was closing a "glorious stage" in his career as he parted ways with Real.

"I believe you have to be aware that there are stages that close and in this case for me it is a very glorious stage at Real Madrid which is coming to an end," the 33-year-old told a news conference.

"I think you have to make room for younger players and know that football is like that.

"It is a complicated and difficult moment but you have to know that these things happen in football and that at certain moments, regardless of the talent you have, it is your time to leave a club or leave football and life goes on."