Madrid, Oct 17 (IANS): Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez praised has Raul Gonzalez, who on Thursday announced his retirement as a footballer, and admitted that his staff would fit for a professional, with whom he has an "excellent relationship".

Before any journalist even had the chance to ask, Benitez started his press conference talking about Raul.

"Best wishes to Raul on his retirement. We have an excellent relationship. I wish him the very best and hope the future will bring him a lot of success," Efe quoted Benitez as saying on Friday.

"I only have positive words to say about him. Whatever he does in the future is his decision," Rafa replied to a question about the possibility of Raul rejoining Real Madrid.

"He's a phenomenon and we'll soon see what path he chooses to take. We have an excellent relationship. I have a coaching staff at present, but who knows what will happen in the future," the Spanish coach added.

"He's intelligent and has a very sharp analytical mind both on and off the pitch. He'll do well with whatever he chooses to do. Raul would find a place in any team in the world. He's a legend."

Benitez concluded the press conference by ensuring that Raul is "a role model" anywhere in the world, saying that he is without a doubt "among the top five players in the history of Spanish football".