‘Would love to see them in Second Division’ – Real Madrid presidential candidate blasts Barcelona and revisits Negreira controversy | OneFootball

The rivalry between Real Madrid and Barcelona has once again taken centre stage, this time away from the pitch and in the middle of the ongoing presidential election campaign at the Madrid-based club.

Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme has made some of his strongest comments yet regarding Barcelona while appearing on Jordi Wild’s popular YouTube podcast, ‘The Wild Project’. 

As the election race enters its final days, Riquelme used the interview to launch a fierce attack on Barcelona.

What was said?

During the interview, Riquelme was asked about Barcelona, and the presidential hopeful did not attempt to hide his feelings regarding the Catalan club.

Sharing his view on Real Madrid’s historic rival, he said, “I want to see Barcelona in the Second Division. I’d love that. 

“I wouldn’t have a problem with it and it would make me happy. And that’s not meant to be disrespectful. I’d also like to see Barcelona disappear. 

Riquelme has criticised Perez for helping Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

“I wouldn’t have a problem with that.”

After the initial statement, Riquelme sought to provide additional context regarding his position and explained that his primary focus is seeing Real Madrid succeed above all else.

“Barcelona is part of football history, but I want Real Madrid to win, and only Madrid. Whatever the others do…”

The presidential candidate then turned his attention towards Florentino Perez and criticised what he believes has been a supportive approach towards Barcelona during difficult periods for the club.

“At every party when they were down and out – If I’d been there, I can assure you that not only would I not have helped, but I wouldn’t even have offered a hand. 

“It’s healthy competition, but if you’ve competed in a way where you’ve used money to pay the vice-president of the referees…”

The Negreira case

Riquelme has launched a brutal attack on Barcelona. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

The candidate also revisited one of the most controversial subjects in Spanish football: the Negreira case.

Riquelme has previously spoken about the matter, but once again used the interview to explain why he believes the issue should have been pursued more aggressively.

“The fact is, there have clearly been payments made to Negreira by the referees, which have actually favoured Barcelona and disadvantaged Real Madrid.”

He then criticised what he perceives as Perez’s willingness to support Barcelona during a difficult financial period.

“The thing is, Barcelona as a club was on its knees and Florentino Pérez called for a strong Barça and helped them out. And now they have won two La Liga titles.

“I want a strong Real Madrid. I wouldn’t have helped Barcelona; I would have gone all out on the Negreira issue,” he concluded.