Raul Gonzalez has admitted that “I’m very happy but also a little sad” about ending his playing career as an NASL champion with New York Cosmos.
The Real Madrid legend marked his retirement from professional football with the decisive assist in a 3-2 victory over Ottawa Fury on Sunday, but he is determined to maintain his passion for the game, fuelling rumours that he is destined for coaching.
“Apart from the trophies, the most important thing in my career has been the love of the fans. It’s the best reward,” he said after the game.
“I began playing football on muddy fields. I still feel like a kid playing in the street and I want to keep this passion, even if it’s not as a professional [footballer]. To win any final is like a dream.
“[On his post-playing career], there will be time to talk about this, but I will begin a new life, a new project and a new path.
“I’m very happy but also a little sad [about saying goodbye on a high].
“In the United States, there are more and better players coming through and more and more fans attending games.
“For me, it was a pleasure to end my career with [teammate and fellow retiree] Marcos Senna.”
