Real Madrid President Florentino Perez To Raul: Thank You For All The Years You Have Dedicated

As reported by AS, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez spoke today at the official release and presentation of Raul's biography, 'The Triumph of Values', during which time the Madrid supremo praised El Capitan for his many years of dedication to the club and also curiously used the past-tense with reference to Raul.

"Raul will always remind me of Di Stefano because he is an example both as a footballer and as a person. He represents the values of loyalty and professional ethics. He has given everything for this club both off and on the pitch and has made the Real Madrid shirt greater. Raul breathes football. This club demands and should demand the most from those which make up part of it and Raul loves these challenges and the effort it takes to shoulder that. Raul is Real Madrid. Thank you for all the years you have dedicated."

Perez's use of the past tense in the final sentence have led to media speculation that El Capitan may not be at the club next season. New Madrid coach Jose Mourinho yesterday revealed that he had met with Raul and it has been reported that the Special One has offered the ageing striker a leadership position within the squad (a la Marco Materazzi at Inter), but it is unclear as to whether such a role will translate into minutes on the pitch. Mourinho was in attendance for the release of Raul's biography today.