Riquelme slams Bernabéu renovation and launches campaign with a direct challenge to Florentino Pérez

Enrique Riquelme didn’t wait long to show his edge. On the first day of his campaign for the Real Madrid presidency, he kept a calm tone and repeated that his project is “not against anyone, but for Real Madrid.” Still, the first barbs flew quickly.

Standing outside his new campaign headquarters — directly across from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium — Riquelme questioned the club’s narrative of “legacy,” criticized the stadium’s €1.7 billion ($1.85 billion) renovation, and renewed his call for a live debate with current president Florentino Pérez.

He also promised that this Wednesday he will unveil what he calls “the biggest project for Real Madrid members in 120 years.”

Riquelme’s Statement: “Legacy and Future”

“Welcome to the home of Real Madrid’s members — a place for all of you and anyone who wants to learn more about our project. Yesterday we were officially confirmed as candidates for the Real Madrid presidency. That’s something truly important and democratic for Madridistas. It gives every member the chance to vote and to compare two completely different projects. It’s been more than 20 years since we’ve had that kind of debate.

As you can see, our message is ‘legacy and future.’ We fully respect the club’s legacy — and we want it to be the foundation of Real Madrid’s future. But the legacy isn’t just the seven European Cups that appear on certain banners. There are eight more. Those titles are part of Real Madrid’s history too.

And when we talk about the future, it has to be centered on the members. Because the members, without a doubt, have been forgotten.

I’ve said this in interviews and I’ll keep saying it: What benefits does a Real Madrid member actually have? Beyond the honor and privilege, and a 15% discount on jerseys… and if you have a season ticket, you’re lucky. But after that, what else is there? (Pause.) Nothing, right?

After a €1.7 billion renovation ($1.85 billion), members now have seats that are tighter, smaller, and closer together. The same bars, the same bathrooms. You have to leave your seat ten minutes before halftime just to buy a drink and a sandwich. Is this the result of a €1.7 billion renovation?

That’s why, in this first stage of the campaign, our priority is to listen — to keep listening to the members. But I can already tell you that this Wednesday, we’ll gather everyone to announce the biggest transformation — the most ambitious project for Real Madrid members in 120 years. We hope every member feels proud of what we’re about to present.

We also know the sporting side is crucial. As we said during the pre‑campaign, we would only run if we had a powerful, exciting project for Madridistas. And we do. Don’t ask me to reveal everything on day one — we’ll share it step by step throughout the campaign.

Over the next 15 days, I hope we stay close. I hope we share this journey. And I hope you help us communicate our ideas to all the members we won’t be able to meet in person.

In a few minutes, Spain’s World Cup roster will be announced. And at best — if we’re lucky — maybe one Real Madrid player will be included (no Real Madrid players were on the list). Meanwhile, our biggest rivals will fill the list. If the members choose us, we want to change that. We want Real Madrid players back in the national team — stars who make us proud both as fans and as Spaniards.

President Florentino Pérez said in his press conference that he wanted democracy — that he wanted projects to step forward. He asked for financial guarantees, the largest ever required in any election, and I provided them personally. He also asked for a debate. Well, every requirement has been met. Our work is done up to this point. Now we ask for that debate — as many debates as needed — in a healthy, respectful way.

As I’ve said, this is not a project against anyone. It’s a project for Real Madrid. And I hope both sides can debate and learn from each other to build the best Real Madrid possible for the years ahead.

Thank you very much, and I hope to hear news on this soon.”

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