Real Madrid captain Raul linked with Liverpool

14 January 2007 04:09

Real Madrid´s Raul Gonzalez could move to English Premiership side Liverpool in the summer, according to Spanish sports daily As. The publication speculated on its front page that the friendship between Raul and Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez, who was a Real youth coach during Raul´s formative teenage years, could be the catalyst for the player to leave.

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez could move to English Premiership side Liverpool in the summer, according to Spanish sports daily As.

The publication speculated on its front page that the friendship between Raul and Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez, who was a Real youth coach during Raul´s formative teenage years, could be the catalyst for the player to leave.

He was also a regular visitor to Anfield during the last two seasons when his friend and fellow Spanish international Fernando Morientes was a player there.

Raul´s agent Gines Carvajal also said on Spanish radio on Friday that if Madrid were to allow other clubs to negotiate with Raul, "he would be able to play without any problems in England."

The story caused immediate ripples in the Spanish capital, especially as the 29-year-old player has been with Real for his entire career after making his first team debut as a 17 year-old.

"When there are defeats there are always many rumours but the only thing I am concerned about is the club," Raul told Real Madrid TV on Saturday.

"I am very happy and content and I will carry on working as I have always done with the hope of finishing here."

But Real coach Fabio Capello is in the midst of making some extensive changes at the Spanish giants.

The Italian coach said on Saturday that David Beckham would never play again for Real and three-time World Player of the Year Ronaldo is also likely to be leaving soon.

Beckham announced on Thursday that he would be moving to the United States and joining Los Angeles Galaxy when his Real contract comes to an end on June 30.

Raul paid tribute to the former England captain on Saturday.

"When a team-mate goes it makes you sad. David has been a great team mate and a professional who has always given his best."

Raul, who has appeared at three World Cups and has 102 caps to his name, has a contract at Real until 2010.

Any club wanting to buy him in the summer would probably have to put at least 18 million euros on the table.

They would also have to match Raul´s current wages, which are believed to be six million euros a year.