Raul Gonzalez still raves about life in Germany

Raul is back with another yet another update about his German adventure and a reminder that he is totally not preoccupied with thoughts of his former club, Real Madrid.

Hello again. My name is Raul. Raul Gonzalez. I do not like to write. But I must. I must write because of the rumors. Some write that I dislike Germany. Some people say Real Madrid needs me. They say I will come back. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I love my current club Schalke City. While the manager has changed only once this year, I understand not every club is like Real Madrid. Do I miss having three manager changes in one year? I do like variety. But I am professional. I adapt. Schalke City may struggle in the booneysliga, but we havesucceeded in Europe.

I do not compulsively readRealMadrid.com or stare at onlineaerial views of the Bernabeu. Yes, I may consider studying atReal Madrid University after I retire, but I do not neurotically follow my old club. Still, a friend of a friend mentioned that Brazilian Ronaldo was honored this past weekend. How nice. I recall playing with Ronaldo. He was very good. He scored lots of goals. I am happy for him. He deserved it. However, an acquaintance of a relative told me that Madrid lost at home to Sporting Djon Mustard.

I have never heard of this team. But thousands of messages flooded my email inbox: RaulLegend(d! ot)Loves (dash)RealMadrid(dash)Still@hotmail. I know the Real fans still love me. The bond between fan and living legend is impossible to sever. They recall my glorious goals in the Champions League. And I read their fan-mail every night before going to bed. But I cannot come back. I have a contract at Schalke City. I am happy here. The white-powder water has disappeared, hopefully forever. The sun shines.

And Real Madrid has survived without me. They scored four goals in the Champions League against Tottenham. Granted, four is less than five. And they did not play away against the defending champions. I understand that my qualities extend beyond my crucial goal scored. I know I am tough to calculate, like deciding the world's richest man or something. But a return to Real Madrid would be impossible.

Yes, I still own a mansion in Madrid. But I have a contract with a realtor. She is looking for renters. I am professional. She is professional. Professionals do not just run around breaking contracts. They diligently search for renters. They play professional soccer in Germany. I am happy at Schalke City, even though Real Madrid may need my legendary goals. So ignore said rumors. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Elliott blogs about soccer at Futfanatico.com

Photo: Getty Images