Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme doubles down on audacious transfer vows, dismissing denials from camp Haaland while risking legal action from Manchester City ahead of June’s election.
In the last week or so, the presidential race at Real Madrid has exploded into life as both Enrique Riquelme and Florentino Perez continue to up the ante with incredible pledges and promises.
Earlier this week, 37-year-old energy company founder Riquelme appeared on national television and said that if he were elected president of Real Madrid, he would guarantee that Manchester City's Erling Haaland would sign for the club.
He also claimed taht Rodri, the talented Spanish midfielder, would join Los Blancos from City.
But, within hours, a joint statement between Rafaela Pimenta, Haaland's agent, and Alfie Haaland, the player's father, dismissed these claims as amusing but untrue.
Further, Riquelme, who held a Real Madrid kit with "Haaland 9" on the back, claimed that there was a release clause in the Norway international's current contract, which City denied.
The Premier League club then went on to state that they were considering legal action, as Haaland's name and kit number had been used without express permission from City, who own his image rights.
But it has not stopped there. Speaking to the Spanish press recently in response to Haaland's statement, Riquelme stated, "Well, it’s part of the game. The same thing happened with Figo. This is football. Protecting the player is normal."
The candidate also added, "We spoke beforehand and afterwards, including with Pablo, Rodri’s representative. I know perfectly well that we also have to speak with City, and I said that yesterday."
The election itself will be held on Sunday, 7 June, where an incrediblt entertaining chapter in the club's history will come to a close. Haaland and others may be watching intensely.
