Real Madrid's talismanic striker Raul is leaving the Spanish club after 16 seasons.
The 33-year-old, a huge favourite among Real fans and a club captain, announced his departure on Monday and is poised to join Bundesliga club Schalke 04 on a two-year deal, local media have reported.
"This is a very tough and very difficult day for me," Raul said at a news conference at Real's Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
"I feel like a player and I want to continue feeling like a player for the time I can and that my body allows."
Raul joined Real in 1992 and made his first team debut against Real Zaragoza in October 1994 at the age of 17.
He helped them to six Spanish league titles and three Champions League titles and netted 323 times in 741 appearances in all competitions, according to the club's website (www.realmadrid.com).
