NY Cosmos, Happy with the Raúl Signing

[quote]Cosmos’ signing of Raúl Gonzalez Blanco is already proving a successful and profitable operation for the New York based club without the ex Madrid player having played a single game for the Stateside team. The club’s operating officer spoke earlier on Radio ADN in Costa Rica and confirmed that the reaction from the public has surpassed their initial plans for the forthcoming 2015 season. “Our supporters are very excited about the signing of Raúl. We’ve had a surge of interest in season ticket sales and replica shirts are selling well too. Raúl’s arrival is a major talking point as was the club bringing in Pelé and Beckenbauer”, added Stover.

Raúl’s signing with the club was made official on October 30th, but negotiations had been ongoing for approximately 12 months. Despite the complexity of the operation, Cosmos and especially coach, Gio Savarse, were capable of transmitting to the Spanish player the history of the club and their interest in accommodating his needs. “Our initial contact with him was via Gio, who called him after a Marcos Senna tribute game between Cosmos and Villarreal (November 2013) when Raùl was still playing with Al Sadd.”, added Stover.

Raúl’s arrival at Cosmos helps boost the profile of football in the city which now has three major clubs, New York Red Bulls and New York City FC, David Villa’s new team.“It’s excellent for the city as it generates debate amongst the fans on which team to support. It reinvigorates the sport when there is competition and debate present. It’s a great time for football in New York”, concluded Stover.

At present Cosmos don’t plan on playing in the Major League Soccer. They plan to persist playing in the NASL (North American Soccer League). “We’re happy in this category and see it as a great opportunity. The MLS is unique and somewhat closed”.
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