Former Real Madrid captain Raul has revealed his 'excitement' after beginning his coaching course in Spain.

Raul scored 323 times during a 16-year spell at Madrid - landing six La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns in the Spanish capital.

The 40-year-old returned to Los Blancos in an advisory role last summer, but it was reported last month that the former striker wanted to become a coach.

The former Spain international has now started the course run by the RFEF as he takes his first steps towards becoming a manager.

"I am excited for this new challenge for me and my future in football," Marca quotes Raul as saying. "This is great for us (his colleagues on the course) to continue our development within the game and we are all anticipating the learning.

"It is the first step for us and allows us to coach teams initially at a youth level but within a year, we will then be allowed to do the UEFA professional course which would mean we can train any team.

"It is important now to focus, work hard and get our badges but the future? We must wait until summer to analyse the possibilities. This course is allowing me to view football differently."

Xavi, Xabi Alonso and Victor Valdes are also believed to be among those on the course.