Casillas and Raul commit to R. Madrid for life

Real Madrid striker Raul and goalkeeper Iker Casillas have signed contract extensions that will keep them at the Primera Liga club for the rest of their playing careers.

Spain's first-choice goalkeeper Casillas, 26, has tied himself to Real until 2017 while club captain Raul, 30, extended his deal by one year to 2011.

Both agreements will automatically roll over beyond the contracted periods if the players complete 30 official matches in the previous season. A similar deal is also on the table for Real midfielder Guti.

"Iker Casillas and Raul have both agreed to stay with the club for the rest of their sporting lives," Real president Ramon Calderon told a news conference yesterday.

"On this day, which is Valentine's day, Iker, Raul and Real can say they love each other, they need each other, and complement each other and will commit for life.

"I am not going to speak about money but I can say they will earn less than they deserve because the example they set for the young and the enthusiasm they transmit to the fans isn't quantifiable and you cannot put a value on it."

Both players entered Real's first team from the youth ranks, Raul in 1994 and Casillas in 1999, and have become stalwarts in the side.