After getting knocked out of the Champions League by Manchester United, Raul returns for one final update on his experience with Schalke and how he still isn't thinking about Real Madrid.
Hello again. I do not like to write. But I have written. I have written to dispel rumors. Some say I dislike Germany. Others say I want to return to Real Madrid. I must write one last time. I love Schalke City. I like the booneyliga. The other claims are false. Nothing could be further from the truth.
My first season at Schalke City has been a success. Once the ice water melted, my team reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. We beat Inter, the reigning champions. Of course, I scored goals. Crucial goals. And I started. Yes, we have not met our ambitions in the booneyliga. But this summer I will recruit good players to join me at Schalke City. I hear Luis Figo is available.
Yes, it was bitter to lose to Manchester United. Yes, I remember my old club's famous victory at Old Trafford. But time passes. Real Madrid can no longer count on my goals to lift them over Barcelona. They must adapt. I heard from a friend's uncle about the Copa del Rey. Felicidades. I still remember my first Copa del Rey. I was at home, in the living room, when I turned on the television. I thought Real Castilla was playing, but then I saw my coach, Jorge Valdano, standing on the sidelines. Odd, I thought. Then I changed the channel. I am happy Madrid won this prestigious trophy. They deserved it.
Does Madrid's success tempt me? Would I return? No. I am too happy at Schalke City. True, I hear that the ice water may fall again in September. But I am ready. I have heated a glass of water in my microwave to toss on my car's frozen windows, just in case. I also have toured the dark Gothic buildings of the lovely Schalke City. Well, I got lost on my way to the post office. But I saw lots of buildings. They were dark. And Gothic.
Thus, a return to Real is out of the question. It is impossible. Are my family and I returning to live in our spacious mansion in Madrid for the summer? Yes. But I cannot stay beyond August. The realtor is already looking for tenants to sublet. I will respect my contract with my realtor. And I will respect my contract with Schalke City. I want to thank all the Real Madrid fans - I know you will never stop loving a legend. And neither will I. Me.
Elliott blogs about soccer at Futfanatico.com
Photo: Getty Images