Madrid: Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini has told AS that veteran striker Raul has an "admirable passion for football", and that he has an important role to play for Los Blancos this season.
The 32-year-old Spaniard is entering his 16th straight season in the famous white shirt, having scored 224 goals in 521 Primera Division appearances for Los Merengues, but Pellegrini insists the striker is as fresh as ever.
"He's like an 18-year-old boy. I demand the maximum from my players and he always responds at a high level," said the Chilean.
"Whether he plays or is on the bench he acts the same. He is his own motivation and is an example for his team-mates and anyone who wants to play football. He still has the desire to win, after winning everything."
The coach also said that Raul will be considered for selection just like everyone else, but it will not be as case of the veteran striker being selected before the ten others.
"In October and November we will play eight games each month, six in September plus two internationals," the coach said. "Raul, nor Kaka, nor [Gonzalo] Higuain nor [Cristiano] Ronaldo can play 24 games in three months. The minutes will be distributed among all players."
He pointed to 35-year-old Robert Pires, a player he managed at Villarreal, as the perfect example as to why Raul still has a lot to offer.
"I have seen few in my career but Pires is one example," he concluded.
Goal.com
First Published: Wednesday, September 02, 2009, 15:39