He was supposed to resign. Instead, he did the opposite. On Tuesday, May 13, Florentino Perez called an emergency press conference, one of the most electrifying of his reign at the head of Real Madrid.
Result: a declaration of war, upcoming elections, and a frontal attack on part of the Spanish press.
“I will not resign”
For several weeks, pressure has been mounting on the Merengues president. A lost Liga and Champions League, a difficult blank season for the socios to digest, and rumors swirling behind the scenes: Florentino would be tired, weakened, ready to pass the baton. Some media outlets have gone as far as suggesting a serious illness.
In front of the journalists, the Real Madrid boss dismissed all of this casually. “Some say I have terminal cancer. I am in perfect health and I continue to preside over the club and my industrial group, which generates 50 billion euros in annual revenue,” he declared, with a particularly acerbic tone.
Elections to regain control
The big announcement of the evening: Florentino Perez requested the electoral commission to organize new elections to the board of directors. An apparently democratic decision, but mainly strategic. By convening this election himself, the president seeks to validate his legitimacy with the club members, at a time when his detractors are stirring in the shadows.
“I am calling for elections to defend the socios. At Real Madrid, they are the owners, not the journalists or their networks,” he emphasized, phone in hand, reading aloud some articles he deems false, specifically targeting ABC and Relevo media.
A record brandished as a shield
To justify his legitimacy, Perez recalled the extent of his record. Since his return to the presidency in 2009 – after an initial term between 2000 and 2006 – the club has won 37 football titles and 29 in basketball. “I am the first to want to win everything. But not winning the Liga and the Champions League this season does not justify this media chaos made up out of thin air,” he insisted.
A clear message to potential candidates
Florentino also issued a direct challenge to those eyeing his seat from the sidelines. “Let them stop maneuvering in the shadows and present themselves openly. Let them explain how they plan to finance their campaign.” An invitation as cold as a warning.
With 26 years of accumulated presidency, the Madrid businessman shows no signs of political fatigue. In fact, he seems energized by the criticisms. “They give me energy,” he concluded with a smile.
One thing is certain: the war between Florentino Perez and part of the Spanish press is just beginning.
