Guys, how old are you and how long have you been Real Madrid fans for?
Don't take it the wrong way, this is not an insult or anything, but if you've been Real Madrid's fans for 5 years or less I can understand how you feel, about Raul especially.
I've been a Real Madrid fan since 1984, have lived moments of glory and moments of disgrace.
The mid-80's squad was arguably the best Real Madrid of all times behind the legendary mid-50's one (and in a result basis, the Real Madrid of today). It was called the "Queen with no Crown" since they accomplished almost everything but the utmost goal: the Champions' Cup. They won 2 back to back Uefa Cups (1985-1986) and 5 consecutive Ligas (1986 to 1990). These were times when Bernabeu was like haunted for every European club: 4 and 5 goals were scored there by Real Madrid almost in each international game, no matter who the opponent was. My idol at the time and the reason I became Real Madrid in the first place was Emilio Butragueno. Emilio Butragueno was for every madridista at the time exactly what Raul is now: a born and bread madridista (his father was a socio, made him a socio the day after he was born, was taking him to Chamartin since he was a little kid), started with Real Madrid B (the youth depts) and eventually jumped to the first team. He was called up at La Seleccion at age 19 and he's STILL the top goalscorer ever with 26 goals. Him and Hugo Sanchez hold the record of the top goalscorer pair ever in La Liga.
Of course if somebody would have asked me at the time : "would you trade Butragueno with Maradona in Real Madrid?" I'd probably have slapped him (to put it mildly). Butragueno and Madrid were one thing to my eyes, neither would do without the other. But sadly, the offer would have been a very good one (for the club): as much as I've loved Butragueno, he was no Maradona I'm afraid...
Ever since the times of La Quinta del Buitre (Butragueno, Michel, Martin Vasquez, Sanchis, Pardeza) and especially the man himself, the period of idolizing persons for me is OVER, gone and forgotten. The only thing I care for now is the club. I could not care less if Raul or Roberto Carlos or Morientes or whoever else (except for Hierro and Redondo, my two last soft spots) was sold tomorrow and we won next year's Treble. As another great from that era, Hugo Sanchez said on Real Madrid: "Las personas pasamos y las instituciones quedan." (We people pass but the institutions stay). I've reached a point to understand this now.
And I'll quote, if I may, another Real Madrid legend, Alfredo di Stefano, on the Zidane matter: "Will Figo come? Will Zidane come? These two questions also have to be answered. They are both excellent players, but I think Zidane would be a very important part in the white (blanco)entity's "machine". Moreover, he is already tired of playing in Italy. It seems like he said during the Euro that one day he would be playing side by side with Raul. And I think they would form an extraordinary pair."
You can find both interviews on
http://www.libredirecto.com
After this little story, I guess you can see clearly why (or rather one reason of many) I'll never become a Real Madrid president...
P.S. While for Butragueno rumors around Spain suggest that most probably we'll see him in the club's presidential chair... Spaniards of the forum please confirm!