Schalke's Raul would welcome Spain return

Schalke 04's veteran striker Raul has said he would welcome a return to the Spain team, more than four years since his last appearance for the world champions.

The 33-year-old is enjoying an Indian summer in Gelsenkirchen since joining the Royal Blues of Schalke from Real Madrid on a free transfer before the start of the season.

His stellar form helped Schalke punch above their weight to reach the Champions League semi final and he scored 19 goals in all competitions.

Raul played his last international in October 2006 and Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has said a recall to the national team is not out of the question.

"He is the coach of Spain and he picks the squad," said Raul, as his Schalke team prepare to face Duisburg in Saturday's German Cup final at Berlin's Olympic Stadium.

"I would never say it is out of the question."

Raul looks to be back in the frame with Spain after World Cup-winner Del Bosque raved about his talents.

"Of course he can return, he is in the same situation as any other player," the 60-year-old is reported to have told the Spanish media.

"Through his personality, Raul is a good example for the national team."

"Playing abroad is a clear advantage for our football."

Having scored 44 goals for Spain in 102 appearances, Raul won the Spanish league six times with Real and is the Champions League's top-scorer having won European football's top domestic competition three times with Madrid.

Raul has a contract with Schalke until 2012, but the German club are set to offer him an extension and the Spaniard says he has settled well into Germany with his wife and family.

"We are currently in discussions and they have been going well," said Schalke's director of sport Horst Heldt.