Raul Q&A: Cosmos Star on NASL, Real Madrid and Ronaldo Breaking His Goal Record

Five years after leaving Real Madrid, Raul Gonzalez finds himself in unfamiliar footballing territory.

Following stops in Germany with Schalke and in Qatar with Al Sadd, the legendary striker now plays for a legendary club in the United States, the New York Cosmos.

The Cosmos play in the North American Soccer League, the second tier of professional soccer in the U.S. If both the Cosmos and the NASL sound familiar, they should. The latter takes its name from the original North American Soccer League, which operated from 1968-1984 and found great success in America thanks to the presence of famous players such as Pele, Franz Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff.

Pele was the most recognizable face of that original Cosmos side, and now, in its second iteration, the club is using a similar strategy with another legendary figure: Raul.

Now 37, Raul began his Real Madrid career back in 1994, when he became the club's youngest first-team player, and stayed until 2010. Over the following 16 years, he became the team's all-time leading scorer with 323 goals, a record that still stands, and helped the Blancos win six league titles and three UEFA Champions League crowns.

The success continued at Schalke, where he netted 40 goals in 98 appearances and led the German side to the Champions League semifinals in 2011. He left the Bundesliga club with the all-time record for Champions League goals, a mark that has since been surpassed by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Raul recently spoke with B/R's Michael Cummings as he prepared for the Cosmos' NASL home match against the San Antonio Scorpions on Saturday. He spoke about adjusting to life in the NASL, where he often plays on artificial turf, as well as Real Madrid's current season.

Here's what the Real Madrid legend said.

Bleacher Report: How are you enjoying life with the Cosmos so far?

Raul: I am very happy. It's been a good experience for me. All the club and the team, we've started the season in the right way. We are in first position in the league, but we know that we have to continue in the same way.

BR: The Cosmos are such a historic club. Have you interacted with Pele at all?

Raul: Yes, I had a meeting with him a few months ago. Pele is one of the best players in the history of soccer, of football, and also he was very important for this club 30 years ago. When I spoke with him, he only had good words for me.

BR: What has it been like to play on artificial turf? Has it been tough transitioning to a different playing surface?

Raul: Yes, it’s been tough. The intensity and speed of the ball on turf are very different. I try to control it the best I can, and with every day and every game I feel better, like I’m getting used to it.

BR: Have you changed anything in your style of play since joining the Cosmos?

Raul: No, not really. I love playing as a striker, but I have different roles in the team now, at times getting the ball to the midfielder and also making good combination play with my team-mates. But the most important thing is to try to get the points.

BR: Let's talk about Real Madrid. What are your overall thoughts about their current season?

Raul: I think it was a good season, but when you don't win a title, that's not good at Real Madrid. But they were in the semi-finals [of the Champions League] against Juventus. In the league, they had a good few months until the last game.

In the last game, it was difficult for them because they couldn't win the title, and for Real Madrid, this is not good. But it is normal in football, and I'm looking forward to the next season, when hopefully Real Madrid can win the title.

BR: What can Real do to put themselves ahead of Barcelona next season?

Raul: Every season is very difficult. Barcelona are very strong. They have won the league and are in the Champions League final. At Real Madrid, they have a good team, and they have to continue the same to fight and play well to win the title, and sometimes you can do it, but it is difficult.

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

BR: There has been plenty of speculation about Iker Casillas leaving the club. Do you think he should experience a new environment at the end of his career, as you've done, or should he stay?

Raul: No, I can't say. It will be his decision

BR: Ronaldo recently broke your scoring record in the Champions League. How did that feel for you?

Raul: It’s OK. I'm very proud. I set the record at Real Madrid in the Champions League, but Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world. He has scored in every game, and I think it is normal that he broke my record.

BR: What advice would you have for Ronaldo at this stage of his career?

Raul: He is a very good player. I was lucky to play with him at Real Madrid. He is very professional. He is a hard worker, and I hope he continues to work hard, score goals and win titles for Real Madrid

BR: Since you left Real Madrid, you've played with Schalke and Al Saad, and now you're in New York with the Cosmos. What can you say about all the different places you've played?

Raul: Every year for me, it’s been a different mentality and culture. The European leagues and teams are more competitive, very technical. It was good to work in Qatar—a good experience for me for the future. In the USA, the teams and the players are improving every season. Our league is very competitive, and I think the physical aspect of the game is very strong here, but we need to keep improving the level of the game.

BR: Will this be your last stop as a professional footballer?

Raul: Yes, I think so. I will decide after this season if I will play another year, but that will be decided later.

All quotes were gathered firsthand. New York Cosmos face San Antonio Scorpions at home this Saturday, kick-off at 7 p.m. ET.

Follow @MiguelCominguez