Raúl: "I had to withdraw due to hamstring discomfort"

Rául marked his debut in the North American Soccer League (NASL) with a win as his New York Cosmos side defeated the Fort Lauderdale Strikers 1-0. After the match, he spoke to the media at the Lockhart Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.

The legendary former Real Madrid forward revealed that a hamstring problem forced him to request his substitution in the first few minutes of the second half.

“I am happy for the three points,” he said. “To win away from home is difficult but we did it. It was a shame to have to withdraw myself due to discomfort. I hope that it’s nothing important. The pain came from the hamstring.”

He also spoke about his old club’s forthcoming derby duel against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League.

“I’ll have to enjoy it on TV. I hope that Madrid manage to progress from this difficult tie against Atleti. I want to see them in the following round,” he said.

The 37-year-old also said that he felt comfortable during his official debut in the USA.

“In the first half I felt good, although it was hard for us to get into the game. At the end of the first half, we improved a lot. Playing in the USA carries a different atmosphere, but I am taking it as a life experience. I hope things go well and that I can make the people enjoy it.”

Regarding the NASL, he said that it is still too soon to draw conclusions: “It’s a competitive and physical league, but we need time to make further assessments. I have been playing football for 20 years and I want to do my bit for the Cosmos. Soccer has increasing potential.”

Raúl also spoke about his old team-mate Ronaldo, who is a minority owner of the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.

“I was able to say hello to him before the game,” he added. “It had been a long time since I had seen him. We spent many good times together at Real Madrid.”

----------------------------------------------------------------- from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1GVrNI2