Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas has declared Real Madrid captain Raul his hero.

Raul become Real Madrid's all-time top goal scorer yesterday and Cesc said: "For my generation of footballers in Spain and later, Raul has always been an example. His goals, his steadfastness and the work that takes place with the same discipline for many years, they represent the way forward.

"Raul is a reference for all football players. A reference to the world. He is associated everywhere with the image of Real Madrid. He is an example and I thank him for making history by achieving so many goals."