Riquelme attacks Bernabéu revamp and calls for debates with Florentino Pérez | OneFootball

Riquelme condemned the Santiago Bernabéu refurbishment and urged Florentino Pérez to take part in open debates as his presidential campaign gathered pace in Madrid.

According to El Periódico Mediterráneo, the businessman opened his election HQ on Monday on Calle Rafael Salgado, directly opposite the stadium. The Real Madrid vote remains undated, with the electoral board expected to set it between today and tomorrow.

He argued that, after a 1,700 million euro revamp, season-ticket holders now have smaller, more tightly packed seats. He said toilets and bars are unchanged, and fans must leave 10 minutes before half-time to be served.

Riquelme reiterated that he wants to strengthen members’ influence and said he will unveil on Wednesday the biggest transformational project for Real Madrid members in 120 years, to be enacted if elected.

He called for as many respectful debates as needed with Pérez, whose HQ is 200 metres away on the same street. Pérez has yet to stage campaign events beyond a large banner by the Bernabéu highlighting seven European Cups won under his presidency, which Riquelme said is only part of Madrid’s legacy, adding that the other eight also count.

He again stayed away from sporting plans but lamented the minimal, ultimately non-existent, presence of Madrid players in Spain’s World Cup list, noting his remarks were made beforehand. He said he wants to change that and see future Spain squads filled with Real Madrid players.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo