New Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho was non-committal over Raul's future yesterday.

Mourinho confirmed he had held talks with the Real captain, but deferred any decision about the striker's continuity to the board.

He explained: "He is a player I have always admired, but the decision whether or not he plays rests with (Real sports director Jorge) Valdano.

"I would like to see a happy Raul, because a player who has played for many years at this level and with such professionalism, deserves a happy ending."