MADRID, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Real Madrid striker Raul and
goalkeeper Iker Casillas have signed contract extensions that
will keep them at the Primera Liga club for the rest of their
playing careers.
Spain's first-choice goalkeeper Casillas, 26, has tied
himself to Real until 2017 while club captain Raul, 30, extended
his deal by one year to 2011.
Both agreements will automatically roll over beyond the
contracted periods if the players complete 30 official matches
in the previous season. A similar deal is also on the table for
Real midfielder Guti.
'Iker Casillas and Raul have both agreed to stay with the
club for the rest of their sporting lives,' Real president Ramon
Calderon told a news conference on Thursday.
'On this day, which is Valentine's day, Iker, Raul and Real
can say they love each other, they need each other, and
complement each other and will commit for life.
'I am not going to speak about money but I can say they will
earn less than they deserve because the example they set for the
young and the enthusiasm they transmit to the fans isn't
quantifiable and you cannot put a value on it.'
Both players entered Real's first team from the youth ranks,
Raul in 1994 and Casillas in 1999, and have become stalwarts in
the side.
Casillas, who has won two European Cups and three league
titles with Real, said: 'This allows me to complete another wish
of mine which is stay here for many years.'
Raul, who has won three European Cups and five league titles
at the club added: 'This was all sorted out in five minutes
because it was always the intention of both parties that I
continue.'
Later on Thursday, Calderon told radio Marca: 'Next week, it
will be the same with Guti, another symbolic player for the
club. We haven't signed yet because he is a little lazier, but
it will be with the same conditions.'
The 31-year-oldīs current deal expires in 2010.
