Raul set to join Qatari side Al-Sadd

Former Spanish international striker Raúl González Blanco, better known as Raul, has signed a one year contract with Qatari side Al-Sadd SC, the champions of the 2011 AFC Champions League in Asia. Raul has left Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 after two seasons in the German top tier.

The Qatar Football Association said on Sunday that the Doha-based club had signed the 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain captain on a one-year deal, but further details were released.

Schalke 04 had made an offer to Raul to extend his contract, but the striker had decided to leave Europe and play in a developing league with Qatar always seen as his preference also due to the salary which he would receive in the Middle East.

Raul was a fan favourite at Schalke, scoring 27 goals in 63 Bundesliga matches. When Raul announced he would leave German Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 it was an emotional affair after two years at the Ruhr valley club ( Raul to leave Schalke at end of season ).