Raul to join Qatari club Al Sadd

Qatari adventure for Raul.

Former Real Madrid and Spain striker Raul has joined Qatari club Al Sadd after deciding to leave Bundesliga outfit FC Schalke at the end of the season.

Al Sadd released a statement on their official website stating:

“Al Sadd will hold a press conference on Sunday, May 13 to present Spanish star Raul Gonzalez, who is contracted to the team for the 2012/13 season.

“Raul has arrived in Doha and attended the final match of the Emir Cup between Al Sadd and Al Gharafa at Khalifa international stadium.”

Raul, who featured in around 750 games for Real Madrid in a career spanning over 15 years, was sold to FC Schalke in the summer of 2010 as the Los Blancos brought in new faces to the club. But after spending two successful seasons in the Bundesliga, the striker admitted in a press conference that he would play his club football outside Europe for the first time next season, adding that the time was right to move to “a less competitive league”. He said:

“I definitely have the self-confidence to play in a tough league, but it is more about the family. I have not been able to spend much time with them lately. The Bundesliga is so demanding that you cannot spend so long with them. We will now look at the offers and see what gives me the most time for family life.”

Raul made his decision despite the persuasion of club administration and fans alike to stay for another year. The 34-year old scored 15 goals in the Bundesliga this season to help his side finish third and qualify for the Champions League.

Al Sadd is owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who was the chairman of Qatar’s winning campaign to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Players like Romario, Felipe Jorge, Frank Leboeuf and Mauro Zarate have previously featured for the club.