The Endline

Former Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez gestures before giving a press conference to announce his departure from the team at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. Raul will join German side Schalke on a two-year contract. (PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/Getty Images)

Raul said goodbye to Real Madrid on Monday and it just won’t be the same without him. 16 years is a long career, and to have all that time at one club just isn’t seen anymore. Reports are that he’s joining Schalke in the German Bundesliga… but if MLS is good enough for Thierry Henry, why can’t it be good enough for Raul? I know of a few clubs that could use the guy. In fact Houston, released their DP, Luis Angel Landin and I could see nothing better than to announce the signing of Raul to the Houston faithful during halftime of the MLS All Star game on Wednesday. The biggest questions now is, who will wear the #7 shirt the the Galacticos?

“Football is and has been my life. Real Madrid has been my home and here I have experienced unique emotions. Today is the first day of my new life, during which I will try something so complex and difficult as it is to be as immensely happy as I have been at Real Madrid. Many years have gone by since I suited up in white for the first time. With that time now passed and on the day of my farewell, I reassert more than ever my commitment to this club and my loyalty to its values. I will always be available for whatever it needs. Thank you from the bottom of my footballer heart. Hala Madrid.”

Here is the full transcript of Raul’s Farewell Speech and ESPN’s short video on him.

See what Raul’s teammates have to say about him along with 5 moments to remember and Rauls’ favorite 7 goals.

I should also mention that Guti has left Real Madrid to join Besiktas. You can see Real’s video tribute to Guti here.