In this Dec. 9, 2014 file photo, New York Cosmos soccer coach Giovanni Savanese, left, and team chairman Seamus O'Brien, right, pose with Spain's former national team captain and former Real Madrid star Raúl Gonzalez Blanco, after his introduction as the team's newest member in New York. Gonzalez Blanco, popularly known as Raúl, announced on Thursday, Oct. 15, 2015 that he'll retire from active football at the end of the season the North American Soccer League (NASL) in November. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, File)
NEW YORK (AP) – Spanish star Raúl is retiring from soccer in November after his NASL season with the New York Cosmos.
The 38-year-old striker announced his decision Thursday, saying he wants focus on winning a championship in the second-tier league. He signed with the Cosmos last December. Raúl calls his move "not an easy one, but I believe it is the right time." He says he will decide in the coming months what he wants to do next.
Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese describes Raúl as "one of the world's most iconic players," lauding his "knowledge, passion, professionalism and commitment."
Raúl spent 16 years with Real Madrid. He led the team to four Spanish league titles, four Spanish Super Cups and three UEFA Champions League titles. He left in 2010 as the team's career goal-scorer. He later played for Schalke 04 in Germany and Al-Sadd Sports Club of Qatar.
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