Real Madrid striker, Raul, has admitted his adoration for Steven Gerrard in an interview with France Football today.

Raul and Gerrard look set to go head-to-head tonight when Madrid meet Liverpool in the Champions League, and both should be wearing the captain's armband.

The Spaniard declared that he "adores" the England man and admires the fact that the midfielder has remained so loyal to the Reds.

"For me, he is the complete midfielder, with the ability to defend, to attack and to score goals. He is also a man with a strong personality," he gushed.

"He is like Paul Scholes with Manchester United, players who remain faithful to their clubs in the good and bad times. It is always said that they are going to leave, but they always continue in their position."

Certainly Raul is another example of a loyal player, having been at Madrid for his whole career since moving from Atletico as a youngster.

The striker has become one of the greatest ever Real Madrid players during his time at the club, but admitted that he is not thinking about records yet.

"I believe that all the records are for later. Of course, after so many years, I realise what I have done, but I do not want to let my level drop, and I want to take advantage of the time I have left. To put it more clearly: I want more," he declared.