Florentino Perez Criticizes Rival Riquelme Amid Real Madrid Election Campaign

Florentino Perez, the candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, has entered the election race with strong criticisms directed at his rival, Enrique Riquelme. During an election event, he urged club members to trust him to continue leading the sports and administrative project in the coming years.

Perez emphasized the importance of preserving the club’s identity and historical values. He stated that Real Madrid’s fans and members bear a significant responsibility to protect the institution’s image and prevent its name or jersey from being exploited in ways that could harm its reputation or diminish its stature.

The club president condemned what he described as attempts to mislead public opinion, referencing recent controversies surrounding Norwegian star Erling Haaland of Manchester City. He clarified that many claims circulated about the player were quickly denied by those close to him as well as by the Manchester club, causing considerable embarrassment for Real Madrid.

Perez also criticized rumors regarding negotiations with a coach for a potential managerial position, noting that the coach in question swiftly denied those reports. He explained that such actions create an inaccurate portrayal of Real Madrid and foster negative impressions that do not align with the club’s global standing.

He stressed that anyone aspiring to lead Real Madrid must possess responsibility and integrity, affirming that the club’s values and history are too significant to be part of election campaigns based on false information or unrealistic promises.

In contrast, Perez showcased the achievements realized during his presidency, highlighting that Real Madrid has claimed numerous domestic and international titles, including seven UEFA Champions League trophies. He regarded this as clear evidence of the success of his long-term project.

Perez asserted that the trust he enjoys is a result of his commitment to fulfilling his promises, explaining that his policy has always focused on supporting the team with top talents capable of enhancing the club’s position across various competitions.

He added that Real Madrid has undergone a tremendous transformation since he took office, moving from eight European titles to fifteen currently, reflecting substantial progress on both athletic and institutional levels.

Perez defended projects implemented in recent years, particularly the renovation of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. He affirmed that the club now boasts one of the best stadiums in the world and will continue to protect this legacy while working on its development despite facing criticism.

He concluded his remarks with a direct message to Real Madrid members, urging them to vote for him to continue the path of success. He reiterated that the achievements accomplished were a result of collaborative efforts between management and members, asserting that the upcoming phase will extend a long history of titles and aspirations within the royal club.