Top 10 free transfers of the decade

Tottenham Hotspur v Bayern Muenchen: Group B - UEFA Champions League
Tottenham Hotspur v Bayern Muenchen: Group B - UEFA Champions League

5. Raul: Real Madrid to Schalke

Athletic Bilbao v FC Schalke 04 - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final
Athletic Bilbao v FC Schalke 04 - UEFA Europa League Quarter Final

Raul ended his 18-year spell with Real Madrid in 2010 after falling out of favor in the Spanish capital. Schalke were quick to make a move for the striker after it became clear that he would not be renewing his contract at Madrid. The legendary striker repaid the club's faith in him by leading the German side to the Champions League final in 2011 and a third-place finish in the league next year.

He ended up scoring 40 goals in 98 appearances for Schalke. The Spaniard formed a deadly strike partnership with Klaas-Jan Huntelaar during his stay in Germany. Their partnership was the key behind Schalke's deep run in the Champions League.

Raul was also impressed by the Bundesliga, which was apparent when he referred to the German top-flight as the best league in world football.

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Edited by Vishal Subramanian
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