Real Madrid captain Raúl (Wikimedia)

There are very few names in world football today that are synonymous with one club.

Del Piero. Maldini.

Well, Raúl is in that league. He is not just part of the club, he is part of their lore. So when news broke early Friday morning in Madrid about the possible scenario of the Merengue legend departing sooner than expected.

Many consider the club's indifference towards him in their plans for next year has helped the club's all-time leading scorer to leave Valdebebas prematurely. According to Spanish sports daily As, Raúl is already planning a quick farewell tour.

Although he still has one year left on his current contract, and at age 32, he would have no qualms about making the necessary adjustments to leave this coming summer. His relationship with club president is not the best. One can remember that in Florentino Pérez first stint, Raúl's role on the team was reduced significantly due to the coaches that were in place as well as injuries that he suffered.

Once Ramón Calderón came in, he underwent an awakening of sorts. Only to have Florentino once again cut his wings.

Raúl has become a polarizing figure in the Madrid dressing room. The captain has been accused by several former Merengue players of having "too much influence" on decisions being made. One former teammate that slammed him was Cicinho. The former AS Roma man mentioned that the club should be called "Raúl Madrid" because of his influence.

There are rumors going around that he would probably be heading to MLS to play. Some other rumors have him making his way to New York, but that league has other issues that it has to take care of before using bring another "Angel" to that side.

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