DOHA: Asian champions Al Sadd of Qatar have confirmed that former Real Madrid skipper Raul Gonzalez will be joining them after the expiry of his two-year contract with Germany’s Schalke.

The club said Raul, 34, “will join the team starting from next season 2012-2013.”

A statement added: “Raul has arrived in Doha and attended the final match of the Emir Cup between Al Sadd and Al Gharafa at Khalifa international stadium.” His presence did not bring good luck: Al Sadd lost on a penalty shootout.

Raul has signed a one-year deal with Al Sadd, who finished third at the FIFA Club World Cup last December. With Schalke he had scored 28 goals in 66 German league matches and won the cup last year.

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