Real Madrid legend Raul signs for New York Cosmos

The 37-year-old, who has also turned out for Schalke after 16 years at the Bernabeu, left Qatari club Al Saad at the end of last season.

The striker announced he planned to retire at the end of that campaign back in March, but has reversed that decision to turn out for the Cosmos, who play in the United States second tier, the NASL.

With his signing, Raul instantly becomes the most recognizable star in the NASL.

As part of the deal, the terms of which were not disclosed, Raul, 37, will also become a technical adviser for the club's youth academy, which he will take over on a full time basis when he retires from playing, Cosmos said on their website.

"Everyone throughout the football world knows the Cosmos name and the legacy of the players that played for this team previously," Raul said.

"They helped establish football in America and I'm honoured to follow in their footsteps," he added.

"I believe in this club's vision and I'm excited to be a part of that."

He is a six-time La Liga winner and a three-time European champion with Real Madrid. He holds Madrid’s all-time goal scoring record (323) and is the all-time UEFA Champions League goal scoring record holder as well (71).