Real Madrid's Perez comes clean on Raul, Hierro controversy

Last night Real Madrid president Florentino Perez moved to clear up several controversial issues that emerged last week.

Perez was said to have fallen out with Raul, but he insisted: "I have a very good relationship with Raul - he is a symbol of Real Madrid."

"If he had not come through our youth system then we would have gone out and bought him - as we did with Ronaldo, Figo and Zidane."

"There are reports that are very hurtful and do not deserve a response because they are false."

On Fernando Hierro's future, Perez said: "Hierro has been here for 13 or 14 years. He is a club institution."

"I am convinced he will be playing for the club next year."

Also the future of trainer Vicente del Bosque was raised: "I do not imagine the bench of Real Madrid without Del Bosque."

"We have great stability because we trust our trainer."