‘I convinced Raul to stay at Madrid’

Former Real Madrid boss Jorge Valdano has revealed that he convinced club legend Raul Gonzalez to remain when he took over.

Valdano led Los Blancos to the 1994-95 title and Raul went on to make over 500 league appearances for the club.

However, Valdano told Onda Cero’s ‘Europa League Transistor’ programme that it could all have been very different if Raul had been granted his wish of returning to Atletico Madrid, where he had played in the youth academy.

“When I arrived at Real Madrid they had already signed Raul from Atletico. Of course, they told me he wanted to return there at some point, but I managed to convince him to stay,” said the Argentine.

Valdano also spoke about Atleti and their Coach Diego Simeone ahead of the Europa League final against Marseille in Lyon.

“The history of Atletico Madrid is a story of overcoming things, and you have to give them credit for looking Real Madrid and Barcelona in the eyes.

“I’m not from the same school of thought as Simeone but I value what he does, his leadership, and the way his players follow his message.

“I respect Simeone a lot because he is so passionate about football.”

 

 

Tags Raul Gonzalez Valdano
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