by DAVE MARTINEZ

The legendary career of the great Raul is over.

The iconic former Real Madrid striker will call it a career following the end of the 2015 New York Cosmos campaign. Moreover, Raul will be making a decision on whether or not he will stay with the Cosmos to head the new Academy program.

“When I signed for the New York Cosmos in December, I said I would evaluate how I felt towards the end of the year and assess whether I would continue to play,” Raul said in a club statement. “My decision is to retire from playing at the end of this season. I am fully focused on finishing the season strong and helping the New York Cosmos win the NASL Championship. In the coming months I will decide the next step in my career.”

Raul signed with the Cosmos October of 2014. According to One World Sports (who originally broke the story), Raul’s deal, which was first announced as a “multiyear” contract, was actually a two-year accord combining both his playing time and Academy work.

Multiple sources tell EoS Raul will now take a month to think about his options before making a final decision to assume the Academy post.

On the field, the legendary Spanish striker has delivered. He has featured in 26 matches, earning 25 starts, scoring seven goals and adding three assists while helping New York to the NASL Spring Championship title.

However, it is the long term prospect of Raul’s Academy involvement that has always drawn the interest of both fans and pundits alike — and that now remains up in the air. Raul’s family loves New York, which is a draw for him to stay, but the star Spanish striker does have some family concerns in Madrid that are weighing on his decision.

While the possibility of losing Raul altogether may be surprising to most, sources tell EoS discussions of both his retirement and departure have been “cordial” and “amicable.” One source says discussions began shortly after the start of the Fall campaign between both coach Giovanni Savarese and the star player.

“Raúl is one of the world’s most iconic players. I knew when we signed him what he would bring on pitch but his knowledge, passion, professionalism and commitment has exceeded my expectations,” Savarese said. “In less than a year, Raúl has become a big part of the team and he will always remain part of the Cosmos family.”

The 38-year-old Raul caps off an amazing career which includes a magical 16-year term with Real Madrid where the star striker net 228 goals (fifth in La Liga history) in 550 appearances, leading the club to six La Liga titles, four Spanish Super Cups, and three UEFA Champions League titles. From there, Raul featured with Germany’s Schalke and then Al Sadd of Qatar before heading to the United States to play for the Cosmos. Internationally, Raul is the second all-time scorer in Spain’s history with 44 goals in 102 appearances.

Raul’s final regular season appearance for the Cosmos comes Halloween night when New York takes on the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Shuart Stadium.