Raúl Meireles is one of the first names confirmed to play for FC Porto Vintage in the match against Real Madrid Leyendas, on March 29 (11h00 GMT), at Santiago Bernabéu, in Madrid.

The former midfielder, who played for FC Porto between 2004 and 2010, was close to reaching the mark of 200 matches for the club, and formed an unforgettable duo in the midfield with Lucho González, in the years of the second time the Dragons won four titles in a row.

After a career that included the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Fenerbahce, he left football, but opportunities to wear the blue and white again continued.

“It’s fantastic to play with this crest on my chest. It always has been. It’s always good to have the opportunity to do it”, admitted Raúl Meireles, who, in spite of the brilliant career, will have a chance to add a legendary stadium to his résumé: “Interestingly enough, I never had the chance to play at Santiago Bernabéu. This will be the first time. It’s a late opportunity, but it’s here and I’m going to enjoy the moment.”

The former Portuguese international midfielder then talked of other good things about this experience: “The chance to meet former colleagues to play football again, and, on top of that, at a spectacular stadium, against other great names of football. It has everything to be a special day.”

Raúl Meireles also assures that he “will now train with more intensity”, to be “in good shape” for the match, reminding what really matters: “The importance of this match is the charity cause. As players, we are going to enjoy it and help significant causes.”

The tickets for the match cost 5 Euros and may be purchased at www.entradas.com. The revenues of the match will be used to help children that are under the scope of the projects for social inclusion of Foundation Real Madrid, spread through all continents.

Raúl Meireles

36 years old, midfielder
194 matches for FC Porto / 19 goals
Titles at FC Porto: 4 Leagues, 3 Portuguese Cups, 4 Supercups and 1 Intercontinental Cup
Other clubs: Boavista, CD Aves, Liverpool, Chelsea and Fenerbahce
Other titles: 1 Champions League, 1 English League Cup, 1 English Cup, 1 Turkish League, 1 Turkish Cup, 1 Turkish Supercup, 1 Under16 European Championship, and 1 Toulon Tournament
International caps: 76, for Portugal. Played in the 2004 Olympics, in the 2008 Euro, 2010 World Cup, 2012 Euro, and 2014 World Cup

Confirmed players for FC Porto Vintage:

Vítor Baía
Deco
Bosingwa
Raúl Meireles