Figo: Raul wanted to retire at Madrid but was forced out

Posted Friday, October 05, 2012 by Goal.com

The ex-Blancos star feels that the legendary Spaniard did not get the respect he deserved, and can see Cristiano Ronaldo winning the Ballon d'Or this term

Former Portugal international Luis Figo believes that Real Madrid icon Raul wanted to retire at the Santiago Bernabeu side, but was forced out against his will.

The experienced attacker, currently under contract with Al Sadd, left the Spanish club for Schalke in the summer of 2010, but Figo believes that his former team-mate would much rather have stayed put.

"Raul wanted to end his career at Real Madrid, but it was not to be. He was forced out at Madrid. I hope he's happy in Qatar," Figo stated to Al Jazeera.

The 39-year-old then went on voice his opinion that Cristiano Ronaldo could win the Ballon d'Or this year, but added that it is impossible to pick a favourite between the Blancos star and Barcelona ace Lionel Messi.

"I believe Ronaldo can win the Ballon d'Or this year because he has won La Liga. I don't know why he's unhappy. You'd have to ask him. I generally don't get involved in other people's business.

"Messi or Ronaldo? It really is impossible to say who is the better player between the two of them."

Figo also briefly looked ahead to Sunday's Clasico, and stressed that La Liga is by no means decided just yet.

"The eight points that seperate Barcelona and Real Madrid are not too much to overcome. The league is not decided yet."

Sunday's encounter at Camp Nou is scheduled to kick off at 19:50CET.