‘New signings will arrive’ – Florentino Perez makes big transfer promise and fires shots at Enrique Riquelme | OneFootball

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has delivered one of his strongest campaign speeches yet, combining criticism of rival candidate Enrique Riquelme with ambitious promises regarding the club’s future both on and off the pitch.

Speaking at an event attended by club members and supporters’ groups, he defended his vision for Real Madrid while taking direct aim at Riquelme’s campaign. 

The long-serving president also addressed transfer plans, the Negreira case and future developments surrounding the Santiago Bernabeu.

Most importantly for supporters, Perez made it clear that Real Madrid are already planning further reinforcements ahead of the upcoming season.

Perez attacks Riquelme

During his speech, Perez questioned Riquelme’s intentions and criticised several aspects of his campaign.

While addressing the election battle, Perez said,

“The candidate seems more concerned with building a personal brand, with becoming famous. Real Madrid members deserve respect. 

“You cannot be president whilst mistreating the club’s symbols. He speaks just like our enemies, with contempt for the stadium that is our home. 

Perez has launched a fresh attack on Riquelme. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“Not a single Spanish bank was willing to back him, and he has had to turn to a bank in Andorra.”

The Real Madrid president also dismissed some of the proposals being presented by his rival, while outlining a much larger vision centred around technology and innovation.

“In contrast to an outdated project involving swimming pools and paddle-tennis courts, we propose the creation of Europe’s largest technology park, generating new revenue so that Real Madrid remains a leader. 

“The club will have access to the world’s most advanced technological knowledge to meet its needs. 

“We are using artificial intelligence to partner with Apple, which will allow us to dream of something that will be revolutionary: the infinite Bernabéu.”

Invoking the Negreira case

Furthermore, Perez also revisited the Negreira case and criticised what he sees as inconsistent positions from his opponent. On that subject, he remarked,

“A candidate who sidesteps the issue when talking about the Negreira case, yet takes a very hard line against Real Madrid TV – how soft he is when discussing the biggest corruption scandal in the history of sport. 

“The first thing I’m going to do is take the report we’ve drawn up to UEFA myself so they can see the full extent of this corruption case. 

“I told the UEFA president this, and he’s very open to looking into it further.”

Perez’s transfer promise

Florentino Perez has promised new signings. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Beyond the political messages, the section of the speech most likely to excite supporters was Perez’s clear commitment to strengthening the squad.

Although he avoided mentioning specific names, the Real Madrid president left no doubt that further additions are expected before the start of the new campaign.

“We’ve managed to bring the world’s best players here. We have a great squad, with players anyone would love to have, but new signings will arrive for the coming season. 

“We know what reinforcements we need. That enthusiasm of mine will never fade; the best players will always play here.”

Bringing his speech to a close, Perez contrasted his leadership with previous eras at the club and called for continued trust from members.

“There are two models: one, that of those who lie, the sinister era of Calderon, and another, the one we have built together over recent years, which has made us champions time and time again. 

“The members are and always will be the owners; the best players will always play here. We have a lot of history left to make,” he concluded.

Source: Mundo Deportivo