Former Real Madrid striker Raul has revealed he was glad when Barcelona won the UEFA Champions League last season.

Raul won Europe's premier competition three times in his 16-year spell with Los Blancos but was happy to see their archrivals lift the trophy in Berlin because he believes it is good for Spanish football.

"When they [Barca] win the Champions League, I am glad. In the end it is a Spanish team and I have no problem saying that publicly," he told Vanity Fair (via Goal). "The rivalry helps the two clubs: Barca would not be without Madrid and vice versa—they need each other. Why would I wish harm to anyone? It is not within my personality."

Raul represented Spain 102 times, scoring 44 goals, and said he enjoyed the rivalry with his national team-mates at Barcelona—particularly Pep Guardiola.

"[Pep and I] liked football. The rivalry was very nice, the same as it was with [Carles] Puyol or Xavi," he added. "Pep and I played together for the national team and there was always chemistry. He is one of the best coaches in history."

[h/t Goal, Vanity Fair]