Football
ESPN staff 8y

Real Madrid could cope after Cristiano Ronaldo exit, insists Raul

Real Madrid legend Raul has promised there will still be life at the club once Cristiano Ronaldo makes his Bernabeu exit.

The Portuguese superstar has become synonymous with Los Blancos since making a record-breaking move from Manchester United in the summer of 2009. 

Last season, Ronaldo broke Raul's club scoring mark en route to leading Real to their 11th Champions League crown in May.

Ronaldo's influence at the club is so great that some have suggested Zinedine Zidane's side rely too heavily on the Portuguese captain, though Raul is confident Real will still thrive after he's gone.

"There is definitely life after Ronaldo," Raul told AS.

"What Cristiano has been doing is huge, but Madrid have a great team with players who can still offer more. The important things is that they keep working as a unit.

"Cristiano has been the top scorer for the last seven seasons or so. Nobody expected him to perform like this, he has an incredible desire to meet his objectives and keep working.

"I have a good relationship with him. And there is a mutual admiration. It's a shame that we played together for just one year, but it was an important year and we had a connection."

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