Raul will play the final game of his illustrious career when New York Cosmos face Ottawa Fury in Sunday's North American Soccer League [NASL] final, but Richie Ryan is determined to "spoil the party".
The former Real Madrid and Spain striker recently announced his decision to retire and could end his playing days with a final piece of silverware.
However, victory is no certainty, particularly if Ryan has his way, with the Ottawa Fury star keen to steal the limelight for himself.
"I'd love to be the one to spoil the party," he told Goal. "Me scoring goals is something that rarely happens, but I'm hoping that one of the boys will spoil the party for Raul and the Cosmos.
"[Scoring goals] is not my job on the team, but if I get a chance to do it on Sunday, I'll be extremely happy."
That said, Ryan was also quick to praise Raul for his longevity and said the 38-year-old's decision to join the league had given the division a much-needed boost in profile.
"For me, personally, it's an honour and a privilege to be playing against players like that," he continued.
"You just have to look at Raul's career to see what an amazing career he's had, to be the highest scorer at Real Madrid for so long.
"I think people forget that when he left Real Madrid he was playing for Schalke in the Champions League. To be playing at that level for so many years, you've got to be an extremely good talent.
"And the same for Marcos Senna. He's somebody that I've admired watching for many years, when he played for Spain, winning European Championships. They're two top talents.
"For the league moving forward it's great to have such well-known players like them. The league is trying to expand every season and it's important that they have faces within the league that can do that for them.
"They are the players that are known world-wide, so to have them come to your league it's a big plus."
| Posted: at | |
zezprincess
TRENDING GISTS 
Owners of Abuja Chinese Supermarket Where Nigerians Are Barred Respond to FCCPC‘s Summons
PHOTOS: 8 Years Old Girl Severely Assaulted and Left Almost Blinded by Her Aunt in Lagos
Watch Touching Video Of Lady Surprising Boyfriend Who’s An Okada Rider
Sports Minister, John Enoh Roots For Peseiro’s Return To Super Eagles
Federal Govt Suspends Dana Airline Indefinitely Over Safety Concerns