ONE of the all-time legendary players of international football has been visiting Phuket - taking a holiday with his family, not helping to revitalise the Division One fortunes of FC Phuket.

He is Raul Gonzalez Blanco, known simply as Raul, and he was recognised by this fan as he departed Phuket on January 6 after spending Christmas and New year on the island. (That's his family in the background.)

Raul is one of the great footballers of all time, having spent most of his career playing for Real Madrid until last year. He is the club's all-time top goalscorer, a three-time winner of the UEFA Champions League and the competition's all-time leading goal scorer. His record: 323 goals in 741 appearances.

For many years, according to Wikipedia, Raul's goal celebration has consisted of kissing his wedding ring as an acknowledgment to his wife Mamen Sanz whom he married in 1999 and with whom he has four sons and a daughter.

The family had been holidaying at Anantara Phuket, the all-villa resort based at Mai Khao on Phuket's west coast.

FC Phuket could use a little help from the star Spanish striker, who has been playing for the German club Schalke 04, in the Bundesliga.

After winning ascension to play in a fairytale rise to Thailand's Division One this year, Phuket has been assailed by departures that include mastermind manager and coach, Ajarn Songsamssubwill. He is heading to Spain to take part in a coaching development course with one of Real Madrid's rivals, Atletico Madrid.

Stars Adisak Kaisorn and Chachis Rawanprakorn have gone to promotion rivals FC Buriram, who defeated Phuket 1-0 late last year in a million-baht playoff between the two clubs ascending to Division One.

Moving on as well are Phuket's Ivory Coast imports, Diarra Ali and Nene Bi Tra Sylvestre, who with Camara Ahmed, the player who suffered an on-field heart attack in a Phuket City home game, gave FC Phuket real bite.

Supporters of the Phuket green ''Hulks'' can look forward to some positive news before the season begins, with the announcement already coming that the club has acquired the service of Korean Wan Geon, 25, crossing to Phuket from Nakhon Pathom.

That club has been suspended for two years after fans attacked the referee in a playoff.

Expect more intensity as FC Phuket enters the big time this year, with its budget doubled to 10 million baht. All that's needed is some firepower up-front.

Raul, Phuket needs you.