In bittersweet news today, Fernando “El Moro” Morientes announced that he has decided to retire from football to spend more time with his family. He rejected offers from Mexico, Qatar, the UAE and Portugal in making the decision. Fer made his announcement via a radio program on Cope, and also said that he hoped Madrid would prove competition for Barcelona. He also took the time to wish his friends Raúl and Guti the best of luck with their new teams, saying he was certain they would triumph with their new teams.
To keep getting your El Moro fix, tune in to la Cope, where he will be a regular fixture, as well as Telecinco, where he will be providing commentary during Europa League and Spanish national team games.
I’ve always had a soft spot for Morientes, and his goal during La Octava remains one of my fondest Real Madrid memories, because he ripped off his shirt to reveal a dedication to newborn son Fernandito.
And if a couple years ago, it was Inter Milan who was receiving a lot of former Real Madrid players, this season it’s Schalke who has become the home of four former Madrid players! Christoph Metzelder signed at the end of the season, and the summer brought Raúl to Gelsenkirchen. Now Klaas-Jan Huntelaar will partner with Raúl in Schalke’s attack after AC Milan sold him to the German club for €13 million. But they’re not the only three – canterano José Manuel Jurado’s new team is also Schalke!
Meanwhile, that other ex-madridista in Germany, Ruud van Nistelrooy has been playing so well of late that he has earned a call-up to the Dutch national team after an absence of two years!
And in other ex-Madrid players news, canterano Rodrigo has been ceded to Bolton after being sold by Madrid to Benfica.