Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United tried to sign striker Raul 'this season'
Manchester United tried to sign Raul 'this season' according to the Spanish striker's Schalke team-mate Christoph Metzelder. Metzelder was formerly at Real Madrid with Raul. Instead both men left the Bernabeu for Schalke, United's Champions League semi-final opponents. Leading the way: Veteran striker Raul joins in with Schalke's fans as they celebrate their remarkable achievement 'They tried to sign him this season,' Metzelder said of United and Raul. 'He talked about it to me. I don't know if he thought about it. 'A player like him has offers - from clubs in the United States, England but also Schalke. I tried to convince him. 'He got to know Germany in the 2006 World Cup and knows the atmosphere, the stadiums, the infrastructure. 'I said to him, "You have to experience it". He's a big player and his influence is great.' Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once rated Raul as the best player in the world. Something to shout about: Schalke's Raul celebrates scoring against Inter Raul, 33, scored his 71st Champions League goal against Inter Milan on Wednesday, and set up Schalke's second. He then celebrated in the crowd at the end of the game. He has rarely looked happier. 'This is a big day for us, the only German club to be left in the Champions League, with three of the biggest clubs in the world,' Metzelder added. 'It's a great achievement. It's only Raul who has played finals - the rest of us just watch them on television.' Rooney's foul-mouthed rant cost him a semi-final spot, but when brave little Jack asked him for a kiss.Friday Five: Epic Manchester derbies down the yearsFinal insult for fans as Cup ticket prices for Wembley rocket to an astonishing ?115 Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson Places: United Kingdom, Germany