Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is eager to don the number 7 jersey formerly donned by legend Raul.

Raul left the Santiago Bernabeu after 16 stunning years, during which he established himself as one of the best players to have ever played for the club.

While the veteran seeks new glories with Bundesliga side Schalke, Ronaldo is already eyeing the number seven shirt Raul wore during his time at Real.

While still some way off achieving Raul's legendary status at the club, the winger had a big impact in his first season with los Blancos, scoring 26 goals in 29 games.

In comments quoted by realmadrid.com, the Portuguese said: "I would like to have the number '7' shirt and I'm sure Raul would be happy if I had it because he knows how I am and how I think.

"Raul was always an important player to Real Madrid. He made the decision that best suited his interests. He is a great professional and I'm sure he will play at a very high level."

Ronaldo had words of praise for Jose Mourinho as well.

"Mourinho is a winner. Real Madrid has attacking players, so we will be an offensive team. The priority right now is to get back in shape as soon as possible.

"We are very excited and working very hard. We have to keep this level of excitement up in order to win titles."

Finally, Ronaldo declared he was not too worried about hated-rivals Barcelona beating Real for the third year running.

"Barcelona were more regular than us last year, but we are not worried about what they may do this season. I'm sure we will have a better run this year.

"If I actually believed we couldn't defeat Barcelona, I would be home instead of here.

"All great players are welcome here and we will greet them the best way we know how. All the summer signings are very good."

How the new signings do in their first season at Real could well determine if the club can finally dethrone Barcelona as La Liga champions at the third time of asking.