"David Beckham in his last appearance at Real Madrid City's press room (14/06/07): "I want to wish the captain good luck because he has been a tower of strength for many people and for the team, and he’s been a person that a lot of people should look up to because he is very dedicated to what he does and what he believes in. Thank you to him and the rest of the team, and good luck throughout the rest of their careers."

""I think he is the greatest player to have ever played the game. He walks on the turf and astounds. It is utterly amazing."

""We all know what Raúl represents, not only for his team, but also for football"."

"For me I would say my favourite players in Europe are Raúl and Figo."

"I hope he doesn't like travelling, Failing that we will stop him entering the country. Real buy these big players like Figo, Zidane and Ronaldo but I think the best player in the world is Raúl."

"I’d sign him right here and now, and I’d go wherever it takes to land a player like that, he’s a "Crack" (a "match changing" player) player and I’m a fan of everything that he does, and what’s more now is the prefect time to sign him as he’s got a wealth of experience and has reached full maturity."

"I once said that Raúl is like a Ferrari and now I think he is like a McLaren, Fernando Alonso's car. and he is also one of the few guy's that if i ever have a problem i would go to him rather than my own mother"

""When he plays, in his mind there is only the goal; it's the football essence. Every time they do something, you stand up over your seat"."

""Raúl is one of the best of Europe. He is Real Madrid's spirit. He is like Matthäus for us: indispensable, and with a bad haircut"."