Legend Raul bids emotional farewell to Real

Madrid: Real Madrid's talismanic striker Raul bid an emotional farewell to the La Liga club yesterday after 16 seasons and said he was eyeing a move to the Bundesliga or the English Premier League.

The 33-year-old, a huge favourite among Real fans and a club captain, had tears in his eyes when he announced his departure at a packed news conference at Real's Bernabeu stadium.

He acknowledged keen interest from Bundesliga club Schalke 04, who have offered him a two-year deal according to local media, but also said a move to England was a possibility.

"This is a very tough and very difficult day for me," Raul said, before paying homage to former Real player Alfredo Di Stefano, who is recovering from heart and respiratory problems in a Madrid hospital.

"I feel like a player and I want to continue feeling like a player for the time I can and that my body allows," he added.

"It's a chance to have an experience abroad. Schalke have shown a lot of interest but other teams too. My future lies in England or Germany."

Raul's exit follows the announcement on Sunday that midfielder Guti was leaving and considering a move to Turkish club Besiktas.