Madrid, Nov 03: Spanish internationals Raul Gonzalez, Michel Salgado and Jose Maria "Guti" Gutierrez have all agreed to sign new contracts with Real Madrid, the club said yesterday.
In a statement posted on the club's web site, Madrid sports director Jorge Valdano said the decision showed "the desire of Raul, Guti and Salgado to end their careers at Madrid."
"They are three players who give identity and maturity to the team," he said. Madrid said the three new contracts will be signed in a few weeks but gave no more details.
"I'm very happy because this was what we all wanted. I'm delighted to be able to stay many years at Real Madrid," Guti said.

The biggest surprise is Salgado, whose current contract expires in June, and has been involved in lengthy negotiations with the club. Recent reports said the rightback had rejected Madrid's offer and opted for a better salary at another team. Big-spending Chelsea was reported to have made him an offer for next season.



Salgado, capped 30 times for Spain, joined Madrid in 1999 from Celta de Vigo and has gained two Champions League winners' medals and two more in the Spanish League. He is married to the daughter of Madrid's former president Lorenzo Sanz.



The cases of Raul and Guti were different as both were under contract until 2005.


Bureau Report