The 79-year-old Perez called an emergency press conference today and announced that a club presidential election will be held.
“I regret it, but I am not going to resign. I have asked the electoral commission to begin the election process, and we will stand together with the current board of directors. I am calling an election because since 2000 I have worked to ensure that the club’s owners are its members, unlike other clubs.”
“There is an absurd situation created by campaigns aimed at shaping public opinion against Real Madrid and especially against me. They are taking advantage of the moment to attack me personally. ‘Where is Florentino?’ they say… Although I usually do not speak publicly. They say I don’t exist, that I am ill, that I have terminal cancer…”
“Every day I continue to lead Real Madrid and my company, which is a global leader in infrastructure and has an annual turnover of 50 billion. My health is perfectly fine; I don’t know where this rumor came from.”
“I share the disappointment that we have won nothing this season. I am the first who wants to win everything, but I must remind that during my presidency we have won 66 trophies in football and basketball,” Perez was quoted as saying by SPORT.
Perez served as president of Real Madrid from 2000 to 2006, then returned to the club in 2009 and has led it ever since.