Aragones wields axe as Real star Raul dropped from Spain squad

LEGENDARY Madrid attacker, Raul, has been omitted from Luis Aragones’ Spain squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden next Saturday.

The 29-year-old, who became the Champions League’s all-time leading scorer with a brace in Real’s 5-1 win over Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday, will also miss the friendly against Argentina four days later.

Aragones blasted: “I have not spoken with Raul. I am not used to speaking with the players that I have not included.

“I don’t see it as a revolution. I do not believe they exist in football. Taking the Swedes into consideration, I thought this was for the best (to drop Raul). It is my opinion. Sometimes I am wise, sometimes less so. When I am not, I tell you.”

Squad: Reina (Liverpool), Casillas (Real Madrid); Lopez, Ibanez (both Atletico Madrid), Puyol (Barcelona), Capdevila (Deportivo La Coruna), Juanito (Real Betis), Ramos (Real Madrid); Fabregas (Arsenal), Iniesta, Xavi (Barcelona), Xabi Alonso, Luis Garcia (both Liverpool), Albelda (Valencia); Torres (Atletico Madrid), Reyes (Real Madrid),

Villa, Angulo (both Valencia).