Don’t let signing be a sign of our intentions
Although I was born in England both of my parents were born in Nigeria so when it comes to international football I have split allegiances.
At the 1998 World Cup I was just 10 years old and remember specifically watching Nigeria face Spain. Having been told that Nigeria were going to be steam rolled I was still optimistic and rightly so as Nigeria went on to win 3-2.
But during the game I was treated to one of the greatest goals I have ever seen and I became an instant fan of the player and have followed him ever since. No I’m not talking about Sunday Oliseh’s screamer that won the game, rather the sumptuous volley Raul scored just as the second half started
A wonderfully floated ball from just outside the centre circle from Fernando Hierro was superbly volley pasted the hapless Peter Rufai. The way he allowed the ball to travel somewhat over his right shoulder and then struck it in such a controlled manner showed that he would be star, something that I even at the age of 10 was able to see.
True to this Raul will go down as one of the greatest strikers of my generation and a Real Madrid legend having spent his whole career there despite playing for rivals Atletico as a youth.
I have always loved Raul and respected the way he goes about his game but at this stage in his career I would not want to see him at United.
For the past 2 days I have seen numerous news sources link us with the Madrid striker and although I feel that it is something just to draw in readers, if on any level such a transfer is actually being considered I, as well as many others, would advise against it.
As I have said already Raul was a marvelous striker in his day but now at 32 he isn’t the same striker that captured my imagination all those years ago. He is still somewhat effective as he showed last season when fit, contributing to Real Madrid’s failed title charge with 5 league goals as well as 2 in Europe but having been given a ‘contract for life’ in 2008 it seems Real may now regret it as they have gone back to the familiar tactic of buying up all the talent the world has to offer including trying to monopolise the world’s attacking options.
With players like Ronaldo, Higuain and Benzema all apparently ahead of him, Raul has been limited to sub appearances (of the 30 games he played in La Liga this past season he started just 8), a clear indication that they no longer deem him to be at the peak of his powers.
Although Wayne Rooney does need cover, I don’t thank Raul is the person to provide it, 32 is not drastically old in footballing years but it cannot be denied he is a shadow of the player he was and was only recently being touted for a move to the MLS.
Even though we may not be able to break the bank to bring in marquee players we do not have to play the role of paupers and sign any half decent player because they are available on a free. Many still don’t agree with our signing of Michael Owen last summer who was also available on a free and this would fall into a similar bracket of transfer.
I have tons of time and respect for Raul but don’t wish to see him at Old Trafford sooner or later.