The 29-year-old has been subjected to a flurry of criticism that his once superb scoring skills had waned but the player known as 'the Angel of Madrid' insisted on the eve of Real's home Champions League clash with Dynamo Kiev that he was as good as ever.

"I am better than I was 10 years ago, even than two or three years ago," said Raul, who has not scored in the championship since October 2005.

"I had a good pre-season. I am going to continue to work, because there is always room for improvement. The goals will come," added Raul, who is the record all-time goalscorer in the Champions League with 51.

Raul, who albeit in an injury ravaged season scored just five goals in the championship last term in comparison to 19 a decade ago, received the support of coach Fabio Capello.

"Raul is playing well, and is a role model for his teammates."