Source: Daily_Mail
Jamie Redknapp: Why my dad joined Sir Alex in saying 'no' when offered the chance to sign Raul
Raul confirmed he came close to joining Manchester United in Sportsmail's brilliant interview with him, but they weren't the only ones who were approached. Tottenham were among the other clubs who were contacted when he was released by Real Madrid.[LNB]I suspect, like Harry Redknapp, Sir Alex Ferguson thought he could not have the same impact away from his 'home' at Madrid with the demands of the English league. And at 33, even on a free, the wages would have been excessive.[LNB] Thanks, but no thanks: Raul was turned down by United and Tottenham[LNB]For my dad, it didn't go any further than an approach from agents, who were hawking him around.[LNB] Raul hadn't been playing regularly for Real Madrid and it was too much of a gamble. Nothing came of it and he went to Schalke, which was an unusual choice of club for him.[LNB]Now he faces United in the Champions League semi-final, as the 71-goal top scorer in the competition and looking for another milestone in what would be his first appearance at Wembley.[LNB]He's a sniffer of chances, a cold-eyed finisher who can score a variety of goals; he can score with a passed shot, he can scoop the ball, chip the keeper. There is no explosive pace, but he is quicker in the mind than most defenders. [LNB]He comes alive when the chance presents itself, over two yards he is the fastest to react, he senses opportunity.[LNB] Been here before: Raul has punished United before, with Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals in 2000[LNB]He's at his most dangerous, when the game is quiet. The defender thinks 'I have him in my pocket ... he can't beat me for pace ... he's not particularly strong ... he won't run the other way and drop off ... he's mine.' Then Raul will pounce.[LNB]He loves a rebound from the keeper or a loose ball bouncing around in the area. He has great technique and is a terrific finisher.[LNB]There are no regrets from the English teams who didn't invest huge sums in his wages. He wanted a guaranteed starting place and a long contract.[LNB]Who knows if he would have had the same impact in the Barclays Premier League?[LNB]But Manchester United Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, especially know that they have to be aware of him at all times.[LNB] Jamie Redknapp: Torres making all the right movesJamie Redknapp: Parker's award is a victory over cheats and con-artistsJamie Redknapp: Yaya's strength and power is too much for United Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Harry Redknapp Places: Madrid
