Florentino Pérez Again Attacks Barcelona and Election Rival, Promises More Champions League Titles and Top Players

Real Madrid's incumbent president, Florentino Pérez, has officially launched his re-election campaign, outlining his vision for the club's future. His address touched upon critical themes such as financial stability, technological advancements, and the club's overall direction. Pérez didn't shy away from criticizing arch-rival Barcelona over the 'Negreira case' scandal, nor did he spare his presidential challenger, Enrique Riquelme. Contrary to some expectations, there was no announcement regarding José Mourinho's potential return to Real Madrid's helm.

Pérez delivered his speech from a Madrid hotel, preceded by a video montage. The video highlighted the 66 trophies won during his tenure (editor's note: including those by the basketball club), featuring 7 Champions League titles and star signings from Luís Figo to Kylian Mbappé. His message proclaimed, "The greatest cycle in the history of world football is far from over. Attracting the world's best will not be a dream, but a continued reality."

Legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário, who attended the event and was seated in the front row, voiced his support for Pérez with a brief statement: "President, you are the best and always will be. All members will be very grateful for everything you have done. Hala Madrid!" Another Brazilian legend and former Real Madrid player, Roberto Carlos, was also present at the event.

Pérez himself was met with applause and chants, beginning his address by saying, "Thank you for the warmth you've shown me. Our unity is our strength – the unity of Real Madrid. I came here 26 years ago to make Real Madrid the best team of the 21st century. I have always acted as president with full responsibility, which is why today I will explain why I am calling these early elections, even though I could have stayed for another three years if I wished. A few months ago, I noticed an organized campaign aimed at destabilizing Real Madrid, targeting me personally."

"I am from Real Madrid; others want Real Madrid to be theirs. The decision is yours. We will work harder than ever to ensure the club remains owned by its members. I dedicate all my efforts to ensure no one can take what is ours. The future is not improvised. We have worked to ensure Real Madrid is prepared for this moment."

"This is a democratic and transparent club. It is not true, as some claim, that I prevent elections. These are statements from people who have always wanted to take control of the club and continue to try today."

Florentino didn't miss the opportunity to attack his rival in the Real Madrid presidential elections: "I announced early elections, and now that another candidate has emerged, we know very well who is behind this organized campaign against the club and against me. These are the same people from the darkest period in the club's history – the era of Ramón Calderón (editor's note: former Real Madrid president from 2006-2009). The same people from his board, the same people who stripped members of their sovereignty, the people who committed the greatest disgrace in the club's history. These people are not here to save Real Madrid, but to exploit Real Madrid."

Pérez continued his assault on rival Enrique Riquelme: "A few days ago, I was stunned when I saw a news report on Bloomberg. The other candidate requested a loan for his business with an interest rate of 54% – how can a person like him manage a club like Real Madrid? Now we know why no Spanish bank has provided him with bank guarantees."

Florentino Pérez went on to highlight his achievements as president: "We have created the most successful club in the world, both financially and athletically, and our experience is studied at Harvard University. We won 6 Champions League titles in 10 years, and if re-elected, we will continue to win in the same way. We are working diligently to assemble a team that will fulfill your dreams. If I become president, the best players in the world will play here. We know what we need to improve, and we are working on it."

"At Real Madrid, we are working on a technological revolution through a strategic partnership with Apple. Every Madridista worldwide will be able to experience matches as if they were sitting in the Santiago Bernabéu stadium."

Florentino Pérez also took a jab at arch-rival Barcelona, recalling the 'Negreira case': "This is the biggest stain on the history of football. How is it possible for a club to pay millions of euros to the vice-president of the referees for 20 years and still face no punishment? The referees who worked with him for years are still active in La Liga. We will provide UEFA with the information we have collected over the years. I will not give up until justice is served."

The event concluded with applause for Florentino Pérez and chants of his name, followed by the playing of the Real Madrid anthem.