Real Madrid Legend Raul Says He Was Glad Barcelona Won the Champions League

By 

Gianni Verschueren, Featured Columnist 

Jan. 19, 2016

Former Real Madrid striker Raul has revealed he was glad when Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League last season.

Raul won Europe's premier competition three times in his 16-year spell with Los Blancos but was happy to see theirarchrivals lift the trophy in Berlin because he believes it is good for Spanish football.

"When they [Barca] win the Champions League, I am glad. In the end it is a Spanish team and I have no problem saying that publicly," he toldVanity Fair (via Goal). "The rivalry helps the two clubs: Barca would not be without Madrid and vice versa—they need each other. Why would I wish harm to anyone? It is not within my personality."

Raul represented Spain 102 times, scoring 44 goals, and said he enjoyed the rivalry with his national team-mates at Barcelona—particularly Pep Guardiola.

"[Pep and I] liked football. The rivalry was very nice, the same as it was with [Carles] Puyol or Xavi," he added. "Pep and I played together for the national team and there was always chemistry. He is one of the best coaches in history."

[h/t Goal, Vanity Fair]