Raul might carry on playing for many more years

Real Madrid's fitness coach Valter Di Salvo has accorded that Raul could continue playing for the Los Meringues for another 8 to 10 years or so if he is careful and follows a careful training regime.

"Creating an individual work programme helps to prolong the career of a footballer," he said.

"It is possible to be on active duty until 37, 38 or 40, such as Maldini at Milan.

"It is not true that a footballer's career is finished at 30. If he is careful, he trains very very well and he has the luck not to suffer injuries, he can play for many years.

"Ryan Giggs is nearly 34 and has more than 700 games behind him. The professionalism of a player also helps a great deal in this aspect," added the Italian, who was previously at Manchester United before moving to Real.

"As with Raúl, with such high professionalism that he has, the way he takes care of himself, I am sure he will play many more years at Real Madrid."

Raul has showcased his quality once more by scoring twice in his team's opening two games and is closing in on the 200-goal mark for the Spanish giants during his career.

My opinion : It is axiomatic to note that Raul is the face of Spanish football. A veteran with exceptional ability on and off pitch. A successful leader with a work-man like attitude! He is a role model for the young players around the globe. He is a phenomenon with a unique character that is rare to find in today's modern era.