Real Madrid legend Raul retired on a high on Sunday as New York Cosmos won their seventh North American Soccer League title, making it an astonishing 22 titles in 21 seasons for the Spanish striker.
Cosmos beat 10-man Ottawa Fury 3-2 to claim the US second tier title at the Shuart Stadium, their home ground, with a hat-trick from Gaston Cellerino sealing the deal.
Raul played the full match and while he failed to find the net in a landmark game, he set up his team-mate for the third goal in the 85th minute.
It looked like his illustrious career would come to an end in the semi-finals against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers a few weeks ago but the Spaniard had other ideas, scoring the winner with half an hour to go to extend it by an extra 90 minutes.
Fellow Spaniard and Cosmos team-mate Marcos Senna also retired after the final this weekend.
Raul joined the Cosmos at the end of 2014, four years after leaving Real Madrid, where he spent 16 years - winning six La Liga and three Champions League titles. He was also the club's leading all-time scorer before Cristiano Ronaldo recently overtook him.
The striker left Los Blancos in 2010 and spent time at Schalke and Qatari outfit Al Sadd before moving to America, also winning two trophies at both clubs including the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup in Germany.
Speaking to Spanish publication AS before the game, Cosmos coach Giovanni Savarese said: "It was great to have Raul in our squad as an ambassador.
"He has been an example on and off the pitch. He's well-known [in the United States]. Very few players are as respected as Raul.
"Raul will do whatever he wants [in retirement]. He'll be what he wants. Whatever path he chooses he will be ready for personal success."
Savarese believes Raul will continue to be involved in football.
"I've no doubt he'll continue to be linked to the sport. I'm sure that football will always be linked to him," he added.
"There is great admiration for both [Raul and Senna] because they are very good professionals. The Cosmos have grown and they're part of that.
"More than telling my grandchildren I coached Raul, I'll say I coached one of the greatest people I've ever met. And it's the same with Senna."
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has also been full of praise for the striker and was open to the possibility of a Raul return, saying in a statement on the club's official website:
"Raul is an essential figure when it comes to assessing Real Madrid's most recent history. This is the farewell to one of the greatest players in our legendary club history. I am privileged to have been able to share unforgettable experiences and titles with him.
"Thank you Raul, for having helped to make Real Madrid great with your dedication and talent. Your example will be forever recognised at Real Madrid, where you know that the doors are always open to you because for years, you fuelled the legend of Los Blancos and because you too are a legend."
