Raul Gonzalez thanked Real Madrid for a ‘wonderful’ night, as Los Blancos met his Al-Sadd side in the Trofeo Bernabeu.
Thursday evening saw Madrid defeat the Qatar outfit 5-0, with Raul playing a half in the colours of each team.
The capital club’s leading scorer of all time opened the scoring in the first half for Madrid, before goals from Isco, Karim Benzema and Jese Rodriguez in the second half sealed the result.
“It was wonderful, I want to thank the fans that came and showed me their affection,” began Raul to reporters afterwards.
“I looked up at the scoreboard hoping that the minutes would not tick by. I think everyone enjoyed it – my team made a good showing of themselves and were close to scoring.
“Everyone has come away happy. I could not have had a better tribute, with the ground full and playing again in a Real Madrid shirt.
“There were a lot of small details in this match. Cristiano giving me his shirt, Casillas his armband…everyone has made me feel welcome. Thanks to the club, to the coaching staff that have made me feel like one of them.
“I had similar feelings in my debut against Atletico here in the Bernabeu. I enjoyed it, there was has been a lot of participation.
“That His Majesty was here was a big surprise and it is a source of pride that King of Spain was here. I will be eternally grateful, it was very special.”
The 36-year-old also had words of thanks for the supporters.
“For many years I defended this shirt with all my heart and I felt all the affection and I feel indebted. I would not change anything that has happened and it has been shown that it was worth the wait and that it is my home.
“Everything comes around. The fans have enjoyed it and the Real Madrid faithful now have to be united to achieve the objectives.
“A new project is starting and I hope that fans come to support and that everyone gives 100 per cent.”
The veteran had met with Florentino Perez in the build-up to the game.
“Florentino told me that the club’s doors are open for me. When I’m ready to bring something to the club…”
Raul was also asked for his input on continued speculation surrounding Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.
“Iker is a great professional and teammate and is experiencing something new, but with hard work and effort he will be back helping Real Madrid to achieve their objectives.
“Cristiano is the present and future of Real Madrid, and I’m sure he’ll continue to be so.
“If the Bale thing doesn’t happen, I’ll cost much less.”
