Former Real Madrid star Raul joined the Al Sadd in 2012.
By Sports Reporter/Doha
Al Sadd FC have parted ways with Spain and Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez and started searching for a world-class replacement.
Former Real Madrid star Raul joined the Qatari outfit in 2012. He won the Qatar Stars League in his first season and he reached 1,000 games played in his career. However, he missed much of last season due to injury even though he was instrumental in their season-ending Emir Cup triumph.
The wolves General Secretary Jassim al-Rumaihi had earlier hinted about the possibility of retaining the 36-year-old on a short-term contract after they qualified for the last eight of the AFC Champions League. But the official later ruled it out after last week’s Annual General Assembly.
“Raul won’t be with us next season. We thank him for all his contributions. We will shortly organise a ceremony in his honour.” said al-Rumaihi.
He said the club had negotiated with Barcelona playmaker and Raul’s former Spain team-mate Xavi Hernandez, but the talks broken down.
Sadd’s Football Head Mohammed Ghanem al-Ali said the club was in search of a top striker.
“We’re on the lookout for a world-class striker and hope we’ll soon be able to announce the name. With the new striker, we hope to go all the way in the Asian Champions League,” said al-Ali.
Al-Ali also added that Hussein Ammouta would stay as coach of the wolves, with the Moroccan guiding them to the QSL title in the 2012-13 season.