Appearing on ‘El Hormiguero’, the opposition candidate confirmed an agreement with the Norwegian talisman and issued a staggering ultimatum: “If I don’t deliver, I will pay the dues for 100,000 members myself.”
The battle for the Real Madrid presidency has reached fever pitch. Following the bombshell announcement of Jose Mourinho as the figurehead behind Florentino Perez’s campaign, opposition frontrunner Enrique Riquelme has hit back with a seismic counter-attack. The businessman went on record to state that, should he seize power, his marquee capture will be Erling Haaland.
Anticipation regarding the candidate’s promised “bombshell” has been building for days. While speculation pointed heavily toward the prolific Norwegian, one of the game’s most clinical finishers, his name has now been officially confirmed. Even incumbent president Florentino Perez had cast doubt on the Manchester City star’s arrival, remarking: “Some say we will sign a player, only for a call from his agent to deny everything.”
During his interview, Enrique Riquelme also outlined a determined pursuit to bring Rodri Hernandez back to Spain. To prove his conviction, the candidate produced a notarized document on ‘El Hormiguero’, pledging that the club will remain member-owned and that both signings will be completed upon his election. Failure to deliver would see him personally foot the bill for the membership fees of the entire ‘socios’ base.
“I have not been president of Madrid yet, and I cannot ask for the members’ trust if I am not the first to believe in this project. Regardless of the names involved, the promises made regarding these two players are set in stone. I have signed a personal guarantee before a notary: if I fail to meet any commitment from Monday, I will pay 100% of the dues for all 100,000 Madrid members for the following season. Haaland has a release clause and is desperate to wear the Real Madrid shirt,” he declared with absolute certainty.
On the subject of Rodri Hernandez, Riquelme revealed he has already opened talks with the player’s representative, Pablo Barquero, insisting the midfielder would be the cornerstone of the Merengue project with a deal to be rubber-stamped as early as next Monday.
“Rodri is a Spanish icon, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner, and he fills a role that Real Madrid must address as a priority. If I am elected, I’ll say it plainly: Rodri will play for Real Madrid. He has the DNA of this club, and I will move heaven and earth to bring him here. Under my leadership, the club will act decisively to secure him,” he reiterated.
The candidate also took a swipe at Florentino Perez’s plan to bring back Jose Mourinho, suggesting the Portuguese manager is no longer the right fit for the club’s current trajectory.
“He has already had his chapter here. He is an elite coach, but our vision demands a completely different style. For us, he is not the right man; the philosophy is different. I have another name in mind for the dugout. The involvement of Raul and Hierro has already sparked a revolution, restoring hierarchy and elite standards,” he noted.
“We are fortunate to have them; they are the heart and soul of Real Madrid. I am certain they will protect the club’s interests: they are the perfect figures to spearhead the sporting department. In two days’ time, we will have major news for every Madridista,” the entrepreneur teased.
Riquelme stated that the identity of his chosen manager will be revealed between Friday and Saturday: “He is, without a shadow of a doubt, the profile every fan dreams of seeing in the Real Madrid dugout,” he promised.
Furthermore, he confirmed that, if successful, he would retain Emilio Butragueno as Director of Institutional Relations: “He is a living legend. I have immense respect for him, and naturally, he would continue in his role,” he said.
Reflecting on a turbulent season, Riquelme argued that “excessive external noise” has hampered the club—an issue he plans to fix through democratic transparency and a rigid command structure, empowering the coach and supporting a sporting director.
“When problems reach the presidency and erode authority, you invite chaos. The squad is the best in the world. The coach, Xabi Alonso, has proven his professionalism. Had there been a clear hierarchy, certain issues would never have spiralled. We need a manager with proven pedigree: the era of experimentation is over,” he concluded.
