Source: Daily_Mail
Raul to see out Schalke contract
Spanish striker Raul will see out his contract with Schalke, ending speculation he will leave the Bundesliga.[LNB]The former Real Madrid forward turned down a move to Premier League side Blackburn Rovers after an apparent disagreement with coach Ralf Rangnick.[LNB]But the 34-year-old will now stay with the German side for one final season.[LNB] Going nowhere: Raul (left) will stay with Schalke until the end of his contract[LNB]He told Schalke's website that 'the affection shown to me by the Schalke fans is extraordinary and unforgettable ... I'm definitely staying at Schalke and will honor my contract.'[LNB]Raul said he had no problems with coach Ralf Rangnick and that 'we're all concentrated on together achieving the best for Schalke this season.'[LNB]He also denied that his omission from the Europa League squad alst week indicated his desire to leave.[LNB]'I spoke with the coach and we both decided that I take a break to complete special individual training. There's nothing else to say about that,' Raul said.[LNB]'I am lucky enough to have a great family. My wife and children are fully integrated into life in Germany and I am proud to play in the Bundesliga.'[LNB]Meanwhile, Blackburn manager Steve Kean is poised to add new faces to a side he is convinced will haul themselves off the foot of the Barclays Premier League.[LNB] Plenty to ponder: Steve Kean has had a troubled start to the season[LNB]Although only two games into the campaign, Rovers slipped to bottom in the table after slumping to a 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa.[LNB]Kean, though, has new signings lined up as he said: 'We've had bids accepted and medicals took place at the club on Friday.[LNB]'Personal terms are being spoken about with other players, so we're confident we'll have another couple of bodies in.'[LNB]Kean also pointed to the fact he was crucially missing injured defenders Gael Givet and Christopher Samba, although there are rumours the latter could join Arsenal before the transfer deadline expires.[LNB]'We're still bedding people in, and we've a young squad,' added Kean.[LNB]'(Captain) Ryan Nelsen also played his first game yesterday after knee surgery, and even though he's not 100 per cent fit, I'm delighted he put himself up for playing.[LNB]'We are a little bit inexperienced, and we do need our experienced guys back, and we need them back quick.[LNB] Happy days: Aston Villa celebrate on their way to a 3-1 win over Blackburn[LNB] 'All being well for next week we will have Gael and Chris available which will increase the number of senior players and give us a better mix.'[LNB]Although Kean started the season as favourite with many bookmakers to become the first in the Premier League to be given the sack, and despite the start to the campaign, he is not feeling any pressure.[LNB]'I feel disappointed we've not put any points on the board because I feel we've been in both games,' said Kean, whose side started out with a 2-1 home loss to Wolves.[LNB]'Although we've not managed to get anything out of the two, that's more disappointing than me feeling pressurised.[LNB]'I'm also disappointed for the players because they've grafted and whilst we don't have masses of experience, the young lads are battling away.[LNB]'If we can get the senior lads back in with a few new faces, then I'm sure we'll stride on.'[LNB] CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE FANTASY FOOTBALL GAMEAston Villa 3 Blackburn 1: McLeish wins over Villa fans with the perfect home debut Kean: New boy Petrovic will be Rad in the Premier LeagueAll the latest Blackburn news, features and opinion [LNB]
