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The final stretch of the presidential campaign for Real Madrid brought an evening of significant announcements this Wednesday: Florentino Pérez confirmed the return of José Mourinho to the bench at Santiago Bernabéu if he wins Sunday’s election, while his rival Enrique Riquelme promised on television the signing of Erling Haaland and claimed to have secured the arrival of Rodri.
It was Florentino who set the pace for the night. At 10:01 PM, while Riquelme was still talking with Pablo Motos on El Hormiguero, the current president posted a brief video on X with the message "MOUcha history to make," featuring the Portuguese coach wearing a Madrid jersey and saying just one word: "Yes."
This would be Mourinho's second stint at the club, following the period between 2010 and 2013, during which he won a Copa del Rey, a league title with a historic record of 100 points, and a Supercopa de España.
The negotiations, facilitated by agent Jorge Mendes, are already finalized between Madrid and Benfica. The release clause in the Portuguese coach's contract, set at seven million euros gross, expired on May 29, so the compensation now amounts to a maximum of 15 million gross, equivalent to one year's salary.
When Pablo Motos delivered the news to Riquelme live, the Alicante businessman reacted with surprise and ruled out the Portuguese for his project: "Has he already announced it? Our style is completely different. He is a great coach. But for our project, no. I have another coach."
Next, Riquelme unveiled his own firepower. He showcased a jersey with the number 9 and the name Haaland in front of the cameras, stating that the Norwegian forward from Manchester City has a release clause and wants to join Real Madrid: "Haaland has a clause, he wants to come to Real Madrid."
The candidate also confirmed advanced discussions with Rodri's representative, Pablo Barquero, and was emphatic: "Rodri is a great Spanish player, a Ballon d'Or winner, plays in a position that Real Madrid needs to strengthen, and if I am president of Real Madrid, I can't make it any clearer. Rodri will play for Real Madrid."
Aware of the difference between announcing a free agent and promising players who are under contract with another club, Riquelme resorted to a personal notarial guarantee: if he fails to fulfill any of his promises, he will pay 100% of the fees for the 100,000 members of Real Madrid for an entire season.
Riquelme's candidacy also includes Raúl González as sporting director and Fernando Hierro in charge of the youth academy, although the name of their coach was not revealed that night; he promised to announce it on Friday or Saturday, describing him as "without a doubt the one everyone wants to coach Real Madrid."
Riquelme's strategy is reminiscent of the 2000 elections, when Florentino Pérez called for these elections on May 12, promising to sign Luis Figo, a promise he fulfilled after winning the votes of the members.
The voting will take place this Sunday, June 7, from 09:00 to 20:00, at the Basketball Pavilion of Ciudad Real Madrid. According to a survey by OKDIARIO, Florentino is leading as the favorite with 77.3% of the votes compared to Riquelme's 22.7%.
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