Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has announced that the club will hold early presidential elections.
“I declare that Real Madrid will hold presidential elections,” said Pérez. “Real Madrid is the strongest, most valuable brand in the world, and the club with the highest prestige. I don’t understand why the media always wants to attack the most admired and most followed club globally. Real Madrid belongs to everyone as a shared treasure, and we have the most valuable squad on the planet. To be honest, being called the ‘best president in history’ makes me somewhat embarrassed. As for those ‘kids’ who want to challenge me, if you want to run, go ahead.”
Regarding the “Negreira case” (referee scandal), Pérez stated: “Three years ago, we learned about the Negreira case, the biggest corruption scandal in football history. It’s astonishing that the referees involved in that era are still active in La Liga. We are compiling a detailed dossier and will immediately submit it to UEFA.”
Pérez emphasized member sovereignty and counterattacked media manipulation: “My original intention in running for Real Madrid president was to ensure the club is run by its members. Some journalists think they can influence people’s hearts through public opinion, but the truth is, members trust me more. Some media figures believe they can interfere with club elections. Remember José María García? I came from his era. As long as I am in office, the owner of Real Madrid is the members. Anyone who wants to run should come out publicly, instead of spreading rumors behind the scenes that ‘I look tired’ – I’m just working too hard! I must stop this unhealthy trend. I won’t allow the media to control the narrative. Less than two years ago, we had just won the league and Champions League double, and now some people say Real Madrid is in ‘destruction and chaos’? That’s pure nonsense.”
Backed by achievements and issuing a direct challenge, Pérez said: “I understand everyone’s frustration because we haven’t won anything this year. But I must remind you that during my tenure, Real Madrid’s football and basketball teams have won 66 trophies, including 7 Champions League titles. To those who are sabotaging from the shadows: stop operating in the dark. The election is now open – if you have the guts, come and run. I will run again and defend the interests of Real Madrid to the death.”
In a live confrontation with the media, Pérez debunked false reports: “Let’s look at ABC newspaper. They really ‘love me.’ They wrote: ‘Before the board meeting, Florentino sighed that he was too tired.’ Do you think I would say that? Is David Sánchez de Castro here? I want to greet you and ask why you publish such fake news. I wake up earlier than everyone else and go to bed later. I work like an old ox!”
