"Cristiano plays closer to the box now and it is difficult, but he still has his potential. He might not have the freshness and speed he used to have, but it is normal because of age" Raul said.
"It might be true that he does not take on as many opponents as he used to, but he used to spoil us" he stated about Ronaldo. When asked about Messi, he said:
"Football is not an individual sport, it is about the team, and the team's victories. I like both of them, but what Ronaldo has done as a goalscorer, to get more than 50 a season, is an honour".
Raul hopes Cristiano will win the Ballon d'Or again next year: "Ronaldo has won the prize to the best player this year and, up until now, he is having a good season. Now is a crucial time in the competition and that is were important players step up".