Raul signs with Qatar's Al Sadd

DOHA, Qatar - The Associated Press

Schalke 04's Raul (C) of Spain watches the Emir Cup final match between Al-Sadd and Al-Gharafa at Khalifa stadium in Doha May 12, 2012. REUTERS photo

Spanish veteran striker Raul Gonzalez has signed with Qatar's Al Sadd, several weeks after announcing he would leave Bundesliga club Schalke at the end of the season.

The Qatar Football Association said Sunday that the Doha club had signed the 34-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain captain to a one-year deal. No further details were released.

Raul was in the stands Saturday to watch Al Gharrafa beat Al Sadd 5-4 on penalties in the Emir Cup.

Raul was a fan favorite at Schalke, where he scored 27 goals in 63 Bundesliga appearances. He won the German Cup and reached the semifinals of the Champions League in his first season with the club.

Raul's signing continues a trend of aging stars ending their careers in the cash-rich Gulf.