Home - News - article
Schalke's Raul open to Spain return
Posted Sunday, May 22, 2011 by YAHOO Sport

Schalke striker Raul has said he would be open to a return to the Spain squad if coach Vicente Del Bosque were to call him in future.

Del Bosque has never closed the door open on the legendary forward, who has not played for La Roja since September 2006 when they lost 3-2 to Northern Ireland in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

And, after almost five years out, Raul has welcomed the idea of making a return.

"The Spain national team is still a dream, but if the coach calls me then I will come. But they are a strong side," he told the press after the Royal Blue's 5-0 DFB Pokal win over Duisburg.

Speaking of the victory, Raul, who has scored 19 goals in 49 appearances since moving to Germany, said: "I want to thank our supporters. And I also say thanks to all Spanish people. I came to Germany to win the cup and I am proud to have achieved it."

He feels the win could act as a springboard for next season's aims.

"Now we will enjoy the success and we will be in the Europa League again. Its important that the team will be stronger next year, because Schalke have been waiting more than 50 years for the championship," he concluded.

Raul has amassed a total of 102 appearances for the national side, and his 44 goals made him Spain's all-time top scorer until David Villa overtook his tally recently.

Spain play friendlies against the United States and Venezuela on June 4 and June 7 respectively, with Raul a possible inclusion in the squad.
Follow Goal.com on . Get the latest football news direct… Check out Goal.com's

 

Standings
    Rank Team W/D/L Pts

    Cities & Stadiums

    The Top 3 Teams of Previous Tournaments

    Year Winners Runner-up Third place
    2008SpainGermanyRussia / Turkey
    2004GreecePortugalNetherlands / Czech Republic
    2000FranceItalyNetherlands / Portugal
    1996GermanyCzech RepublicFrance / England
    1992DenmarkGermanyNetherlands / Sweden
    1988NetherlandsSoviet UnionItaly / West Germany
    1984FranceSpainDenmark / Portugal
    1980West GermanyBelgiumCzechoslovakia
    1976CzechoslovakiaWest GermanyNetherlands
    1972West GermanySoviet UnionBelgium
    1968ItalyYugoslaviaEngland
    1964SpainSoviet UnionHungary
    1960Soviet UnionYugoslaviaCzechoslovakia