Forget Mourinho, star signings: Pérez's next big m...
Key takeaways
- Presidente!" Pérez waved, and began his victory speech.
- Moments earlier, and not far away, Pérez's rival for the club's presidency, Enrique Riquelme, had stepped out of his election headquarters to admit defeat.
- After two weeks of accusations and denials, blockbuster signings promised and publicity stunts staged, Madrid's first contested presidential elections since 2006 were over.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
As the crowd chanted "Presidente! Presidente!" Pérez waved, and began his victory speech. "Good evening everyone," he said. "This has been a great day for Real Madrid."
Moments earlier, and not far away, Pérez's rival for the club's presidency, Enrique Riquelme, had stepped out of his election headquarters to admit defeat. Riquelme was still talking, magnanimously congratulating his opponent, when Pérez began to speak. Breaking news coverage abruptly cut from one to the other, favouring the victor.
After two weeks of accusations and denials, blockbuster signings promised and publicity stunts staged, Madrid's first contested presidential elections since 2006 were over. Pérez was the winner, both candidates accepted, although the official results wouldn't be confirmed until an hour later: Pérez had taken 65% of the vote, and Riquelme 35%.