Q: Raúl, last summer you received a wonderful welcome here in Schalke. What do you remember from that day?
A: I’ve experienced many things in football, but when I stepped onto the field of Veltins Arena, it was something very special. The miners invited by Schalke welcomed me very warmly, as did the club. I immediately noticed the affection the fans have towards their team and their players here in Gelsenkirchen. I feel this affection personally after each training session and game, when people come up to me and ask for autographs.
Q: After so many years of success at home in Madrid, were you worried about what going to a new country would be like?
A: On the personal level, I didn’t have any worries. I was sure that I could compete in the Bundesliga, regardless of my age. But I have to confess that when I put on the shirt of Schalke for the first time before my first game in the Bundesliga, I felt a strange sensation, since I had worn the shirt of Madrid for 16 years.
Q: You really had no personal worries?
A: If I had any, it was for my family. How would my children adapt to a new country? Would they make friends quickly? Would they like Germany? Those were the things that I had in my head. But now that some time has passed, I can say that we love living in Germany.
Q: Not much is know about Raúl the person. You prefer to separate your professional and personal lives.
A: Yes. I want my kids to grow up normally and not be exposed to the media attention that I receive. They go to an international school in Düsseldorf, and not many of their classmates know that their father is a famous footballer. I prefer for it to be like that. I want a normal life for my children.
Q: Have you had any opportunities to visit any sites in Germany?
A: Very few, since the calendar is packed. I spent most of my free time with my children. In that sense, Düsseldorf has a lot to offer. For example, we went to see an ice hockey game. The kids really liked it a lot.
Q: The presence of Metzelder at Schalke was a happy coincidence for you, especially in the beginning.
A: It’s true. Christoph spoke to me a lot about Germany and how the Bundesliga clubs work. So I was prepared when I arrived at Schalke. But the determining factor was the personality of Felix Magath. It was he who opened my heart to Schalke and convinced me to play here. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for him.
Q: What is your relationship now with Real Madrid?
A: Someone who’s spent 16 years at a club doesn’t leave and forget about it. I still follow Madrid, and Real Madrid is still in my heart. But I’m all about Schalke now, my head is here and I’ll give everything for this club.
Q: Do you believe Madrid can win the Liga?
A: Of course, I have my fingers crossed that Madrid will win, but if Barcelona continues like that, it’ll be difficult for the title to escape them.
Q: What are your thoughts on the evolution of Khedira and Özil in Madrid?
A: They almost always play and they enrich Madrid. Both are great players who will continuing progressing.
Q: You’ll soon face Valencia in the Champions League. That should be something special for you, no?
A: Yes, it is. I’m excited to go back to my country.
Q: In addition, you have good memories from your past games against Valencia.
A: Yes. With Real Madrid, we played a Champions League final against Valencia. It was in the year 2000 and we won 3-0. I had the luck of scoring a goal. These are things that I remember with a lot of pleasure.
Q: Communication is important in football. How is your German?
A: It’s a difficult language to learn, but I understand more each day.