Real Madrid : Raul and Guti - Gone But Not Forgotten

It is a sad, sad day for Madridistas everywhere. Two of the most beloved players of Real Madrid have decided to leave the team to play elsewhere for the remainder of their careers. They are Raúl González and José María Gutiérrez Hernández (better known as Guti) and though they leave, they will never be forgotten and they will still remain Madrisitas. Oh what a mark they have left on the club. There are not many footballers who can measure up to their achievements in football. On leaving the club Raul said,"I had the feeling this needed to end now, after so many years wearing the shirt of the best club in the world," (He was number 7),he said. "There are young players arriving and I felt it was my last chance to experience playing abroad. I'm hungry to keep going, to keep competing."

Flortieno Perez said in the farewell ceremony,"There are very few who are chosen to be the symbol of what Madridismo is and should be, and Raul is without a doubt one of them."

He also said,"One of my dreams as the president of Real Madrid is that the players who form part of this club fit in with the spirit left by Raul.Thank you for all these years. This event is not a goodbye, but a see you later because this will always be your shirt and your crest and this stadium will always be your home. We will not forget you because, among other reasons, we do not want to forget you."

Raul then described his leaving as "a difficult day in my career as a footballer. I tried to give my very best in every play, every dribble, every shot and every gesture on the pitch." Raul was a member of Real Madrid for 16 years and will be sorely missed. He is the club's all time top scorer, he is the Champion's League all time top scorer,he has played 741 matches and scored 323 goals for Real. He is without a doubt one of the living football legends. Did I mention that Raul is also Spain's top scorer of all time. Not only did he do for his club but he did for his country as well! His teammate the well talented Guti joined Real Madrid when he was just nine years old. He is a true Madridista, having been with the team for 24 years. He played in five hundred and forty-two matches and has 77 goals for the club. Talk about Madridismo!

Both players have decided that they will not be playing in Spain."I want to know what football is like in another culture before returning home again," Raul said.I feel sad today because I have spent so many years here. I've given everything while wearing this shirt. My children are also sad because they are Madrid supporters, but now I'm beginning a new stage in my career.I feel sad today because I have spent so many years here. I've given everything while wearing this shirt." Guti has will join the Turkish club Beşiktaş JK where Bernd Schuster, former player and coach of Real Madrid, manages the team.

Though they leave they still remain legends and more importantly Madridstas because once you are a Madridista, you are a Madridista for life!

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