Spanish trio commit to Madrid

Real Madrid CF have announced that Spanish international trio Raúl González, Michel Salgado and Guti have all agreed new contracts.

Valdano confirmation
Jorge Valdano, sporting director of the Spanish title-holders and nine-time European champions, confirmed the news, saying: "They are three players who give identity and maturity to the team. With this move Real Madrid have confirmed the desire of Raúl, Guti and Salgado to finish their careers at the club."

European trip
The 28-year-old right-back Salgado had been linked with a possible move to the English Premiership but Madrid ensured the rumour mill ground to a halt by announcing the new deal ahead of their UEFA Champions League trip to FK Partizan on Tuesday.

'Always hopeful'
"I've always been hopeful that in the end I would stay at Real Madrid," said Salgado, a regular in Iñaki Sáez's Spain squad. "I feel honoured that Chelsea [FC] and Manchester United [FC] were interested in signing me - it makes me feel very proud - but I have now got what I wanted. I have signed what will be the last long contract of my career."

Raúl contentment
Meanwhile, the 26-year-old Raúl, captain of both Spain and Madrid, said: "I am very content with the agreement that we have reached. I feel happy, because it was my dream and my intention is to finish my career here."