The Geriatricos

The news that Raul is due to be released by Shalke 04 in the summer was almost enough to make grown men misty-eyed - the prospect of the Madrid legend indulging in a second swansong at your club warms the cockles, regardless of his age.

The news that Raul is due to be released by Shalke 04 in the summer was almost enough to make grown men misty-eyed - the prospect of the Madrid legend indulging in a second swansong at your club warms the cockles, regardless of his age.

Not all ancient footballers evoke the same romanticism - think Michael Owen at Manchester United - but there remains a crop of stalwarts still plying their trade across Europe who would be welcomed with open arms at whichever club they chose to retire at.

I give you - The Geriatricos.

Goalkeeper - Gianluigi Buffon - A relative youngster - especially for a goalkeeper - at 34 years old, Buffon seems to have been around forever. Widely regarded as one of the world's best for the last 15 years, and a World Cup winner in 2006.

Full-Back - Michel Salgado - Currently stuck in a rut winding down his contract at the Cirque De Blackburn, Salgado was fantastic during his ten-year stint at Real Madrid.

Centre-Half - Alessandro Nesta - Maturing much like former partner-in-crime Maldini, it's now been almost 20 years since Nesta first appeared for Lazio. World Cup winner and European Cup winner - twice.

Full-Back - Roberto Carlos - Now pushing 40, Carlos is currently with mega-rich Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. He was renowned for his free-kicks - after his Confederations Cup stunner against France - but in truth he was pretty naff at them.

Midfield - David Beckham - He may have sacrificed the back-end of his career by heading for the glitz and glamour of LA - but he still owns the world's best right-foot.

Midfield - Paul Scholes - The 37 year old saviour of Manchester United's season. Metronomic, flawless passing mixed with amusing, play-ground tackling.

Midfield - Clarence Seedorf - He's won the European Cup 4 times with 3 clubs in a career spanning 20 years. A refreshing presence alongside messrs Lineker and Hansen during the BBC's 2010 World Cup coverage.

Midfield - Juan Carlos Valeron - Lynchpin of the Deportivo side which reached the European Cup semi-final in 2004. Adored at the Riazor.

Attack - Alessandro Del Piero - Made the most appearances and scored the most goals in the history of the mighty Juventus - staying with them despite their forced season long stint in the Serie B.

Attack - Ruud Van Nistelrooy - Lionel Messi recently reached his 50th Champions League goal after 66 games, Ruud managed it in 62. Prolific.

Attack - Raul - 323 goals in 741 matches for Real Madrid along with every trophy imaginable. Matured like a fine wine at Shalke 04 - now a free agent.

Adopting a 3-4-3 formation, it's a team of nostalgia and class. If games finished after 30 minutes, they'd be unbeatable.

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