Interview: Raul, on Luis Enrique's decision and potentially working for Barca

It’s fair to start by telling you I didn’t imagine doing an interview with you for SPORT. 

If I tell you the truth, I didn’t imagine it either.” 

And how’s your life going?

I’m enjoying a transition period in my life since New York. I’m happy, preparing myself for the future and taking on various interesting projects as ambassador for La Liga in the USA.

When do you imagine you will return to the world of professional football, day in, day out?

I haven’t set any dates nor have I defined what I will do in my immediate future. The only thing I know is that football is my passion and I will keep linked to it. You have to be increasingly prepared and this is why I am in New York, an important place in the world of marketing.

Real Madrid are waiting… 

Everyone asks me if I will return to Real Madrid. The people should know that that is my home and sooner or later I will return there. 

Working on the pitch or in an office?

I don’t know if my future is on the pitch or in an office. I haven’t decided if i want to head towards the coaching world or if I have a profile better for an executive role. I don’t know yet.

Some people say you won’t go back to Madrid while Florentino Perez is president as you don’t get on that well. 

If Florentino Perez is president or not has nothing to do with my return to Real Madrid. The moment simply hasn’t arrived yet. When it comes, if Perez is there or not, I can return to Madrid if they want me.

You have been criticised by a sector of Madrid fans because you have been too ‘soft’ with Barcelona. 

Controversies? I was at Madrid for 17 years and nobody can doubt my Madridismo. My conscience is clear. Another thing is when you are talking about football and analysing it, for example, what Barcelona have done in recent years it’s fair to say that they have done well.

Better than Real Madrid?

Barcelona have had more consistency than Real Madrid, if we look at La Liga. If we look at Europe, the distance is not that big. They are both huge clubs who contribute to make La Liga the best competition in the world. 

Do you understand why Luis Enrique wants to leave Barcelona at the end of the season?

I understand Luis Enrique perfectly. I was at Madrid for 17 years and bar Del Bosque and Mourinho, I’ve never seen coaches who stay longer. Luis Enrique has done great work with FC Barcelona and the truth is that he needs a break. But they are things that everyone can decide for themselves.

We’re heading for the Clasico. Will it decide La Liga?

I don’t know if it will be a key game or not. it’s evident they are three special points and whoever wins will strike a blow in the table, but we have seen the calendar is pressurised and anyone can lose points along the way.

We’re finishing and I haven’t asked you about the comparison between Messi and Ronaldo.

They are two unique players and in truth I think they’re at the same level. I don’t like comparing them by their titles. In my ranking they would both be in the top five [all time].

And yourself?

I would be far behind, without doubt. 

Do you like the arguments between Pique and Sergio Ramos on social media?

I’m nearly 40 and I see that we are moving into a new world. If I tell you the truth, most of the time - although not always - I laugh because I find it funny.

Could you imagine working for a club that is not Real Madrid, including Barcelona? 

I like to take things step by step. The first thing is to go back home, which is to Real Madrid, when the moment is right. But this is football and you can never say that I will not do this, or do that.

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