Raul has revealed that he nearly joined Manchester United from Real Madrid last summer, before opting to go to Schalke.
United had been linked with the 33-year-old former Spanish international and he admitted some contact with the Premier League side, but says that he is happy to be playing in the Bundesliga.
Schalke face United in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday, with the competition's leading scorer set to lead the German side's attack.
He said: "There were a couple of possibilities and United was one but the only person who knows just how close, is (Sir) Alex Ferguson.
"I never spoke to him personally but there were contacts with United.
"Before deciding to come to SchaIke thought about England, where I had a couple of offers.
"I love the footballing culture there, the respect for the game, the atmosphere, the intensity.
"I've been at Old Trafford, Arsenal, at Liverpool watching Fernando Morientes and it's special.
"I fancied the idea. I wanted to try something different. But I've been able to experience that here."
Raul went on to praise United stalwart Ryan Giggs.
"He's a great professional who looks after himself," he added.
"Giggs and (Paul Scholes) are players for whom I have an enormous admiration.
"I would love to swap shirts with Ryan Giggs after the game. It would be a great honour."