Florentino Perez: "We won the best league of the history"

Realmadrid Foundation presented yesterday at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the book 'La Liga del 110'. The event was attended by club president Florentino Perez, the honorary president Alfredo Di Stefano, Enrique Ortego, journalist and author of the book, and Jose Mourinho. "This club was born to seek always victory and we have achieved this year the best and most exciting league of the history. The league of 100 points, of the 121 goals and 110 years", said the president. A club with history, the most successful of all time. The last league trophy, which was exposed during the act, is the best example.

Florentino Perez with Alfredo Di Stefano

Florentino Perez, president of the club, acted as director for the presentation of this book, which describes the 110 years of life of the most successful football team of Europe: "Thank you for your presence in the Bernabeu stadium, the main area to the life of this club, in which Real Madrid has spent 65 years. But there have been 110 years of emotions, constant dedication and passion for victory. Our fans deserve the greatest effort for the love they have always felt for this shield. We have learned that for Real Madrid unattainable concepts are not impossible. We will never give up. This club was born to seek victory and we are proud of our past and our present. We achieved the best and most exciting league of the history. A league with many records and is the achievement of team and coaching staff."

Moreover, Florentino Perez publicly thanked all the signs of affection that has received since last May 22 when his wife Maria Angeles Sandoval, known as 'Pitina', died: "I deeply thank all the signs of love, affection and respect that my family and I have received in a difficult time for everyone", he said.

Enrique Ortego, journalist and author of the work, closed the ceremony: "We are facing the sixth book in the collection. After traveling through the lives of Raul, Cristiano Ronaldo, Di Stefano, Zidane and Casillas, now is time for the club. When we were in the last pages, we met a wonderful gift: the Spanish league title. It was also the league of 100 points and 121 goals. This is a pure reference book, about history and stories. It is a review of this league and the 79 official titles the club has achieved throughout its history."

Florentino Perez's wife died

The Real Madrid is in mourning. Maria Angeles Sandoval, wife of Florentino Perez, known as 'Pitina', died yesterday at 6:00 pm at the Madrid hospital of St. Francis of Assisi as a result of a heart attack.

Florentino Perez and his wife Maria Angeles Sandoval 'Pitina'

After years of fight against cancer, Pitina, 62, felt discomfort and went to the medical center where he died later. Her death came as a surprise to Florentino Perez, who hours before the fatal outcome had attended a meeting to the book launch Hala Madrid! of a journalist very close to the white club. Nothing presaged misfortune would happen later.

Pitina, assiduous to the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, was present at the last league match against Mallorca. And on last Sunday she went to the match played by Real Madrid Castilla in Cadiz. Pitina accompanied her husband to the game played by the white youth team in the Ramon de Carranza field.

Marriage Perez met 41 years ago in a cafe in Madrid neighborhood of Argüelles. She worked as a secretary in the medical corps of the 'El Corte Inglés' (the most important department store of Spain) and he was already a civil engineer. They have three children (Eduardo, Florentino and Maria Angeles). Pitina was always the mainstay of Florentino. Rest in peace.

Florentino Perez was close to sign David Silva

David Silva, Real Madrid's target if Kaka leaves the white team, could play today for Real Madrid and not to be a Manchester City player. Florentino Perez has tried to sign the Spanish midfielder two times before. In the first (summer 2009) Valencia was the problem because it was unwilling to negotiate. In the second (2010), "Mourinho's arrival stopped the transfer" the Valencia President, Manuel Llorente, recognized to Spanish media.

David Silva in Madrid

David Silva's name has linked to Florentino Perez for years. The white President wants to sign more Spanish players. In fact the first attempt came with a call from president to president in which Real Madrid wanted to include Villa, Silva and Albiol in one transfer operation. But then, Manuel Llorente, had just reached the presidency of Valencia, and closed the door to Villa and Silva. Valencia wanted to go back to the Champions League competition and only was finalized the transfer of Albiol.

But Valencia knew in advance that could hold Villa and Silva in the squad only for a season. Valencia could not cope with their salaries (around four million euros per season each) and since January 2010 started to prepare their transfers. For Jorge Valdano, and also to Pellegrini (Real Madrid coach at that time), the priority option was always Silva and in every event in which Florentino and Llorente met, they spoke about the player. There were no offer, but they were willing to negotiate and Valencia agreed to alert Real Madrid of any other interest from other clubs.

During those months there was a curious story between Silva and Florentino in the locker room area at the Bernabeu stadium. After a Real Madrid-Valencia match in which Silva threw a ball to the crossbar, three children who were with the white president asked for a picture with the international player. A person who accompanied them took his sport bag to pose for the camera without it. "Put it out there. He will stay with us" Florentino said with a laugh, but deliberately. But in June 2010, when the negotiation had to start, Mourinho looked to Özil and Di Maria and many rumors were written in the Spanish media about the private life of Silva. Today he is World champion and Premiership champion.

Laying of Real Madrid Resort Island foundation stone

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez and His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Emir of Ras al-Khaimah, presided over the laying of the foundation stone of the Real Madrid Resort Island, a holiday resort to be developed in the United Arab Emirates. Over 200 guests and close to 100 media platforms from all over the world gathered in the event.

The objective is to open the resort in 2015 as the first holoday sports resort in Asia. Apart from Florentino Perez, the event was attended, representing the Real Madrid, Nicolas Martin-Sanz, member of the board of the club, Jose Angel Sanchez, General Director, Emilio Butragueno, Institutional relations Director, and Zinedine Zidane, Football first team Director.

It is expected to have one million visitors per year and will house a theme park, the first stadium open to sea, numerous sports facilities, a sports port, a residencial area and luxury hotels. One billion dollars have been invested in the project. Yesterday, was laid the foundation stone and the target is to open its doors in January 2015.

Florentino Perez stressed the importance that the project will have to increase the influence of Real Madrid in the Middle East: "Today is a special day for the entire Real Madrid family. Our presence in the Middle East and Asia no doubt makes us stronger, but it especially makes us more beloved. Real Madrid Resort Island will make all our supporters proud".

The president continues with his strategic plan to extend the Real Madrid all over the world: "Our club was born 110 years ago and it gradually became a universal legend. Real Madrid resort Island fits perfectly into our institution's global aspirations because we at Real Madrid firmly believe that frontiers shouldn't exist in football, nor in sports in general. We want to turn this splendind part of the world into a place that serves to make people from different nationalities come together through their fascination for sport, for football and for Real Madrid. We are honoured and proud for this, which we regard as a great challenge and for which we feel immense responsibility".

Launched the Real Madrid Resort Island

Real Madrid and the Government of Ras al-Khaimah presented the Real Madrid Resort Island in the Presidential Balcony of the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Thursday afternoon. It is to be a touristic complex and theme park in the United Arab Emirates under the Real Madrid brand. The event was attended by President Florentino Perez and Dr. Khater Massaad, representative of the Government of Ras al-Khaimah and CEO of RAK Investment Authority. Jose Mourinho, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Karim Benzema, Football Director Miguel Pardeza, First Team Director Zinedine Zidane, Director of Institutional Relations Emilio Butragueño and former players Santamaria, Pachin and Amancio Amaro were also in attendance.

Presentation of the Real Madrid Resort Island

Florentino Perez talked about this new challenge for Real Madrid: "When the Real Madrid Resort Island opens its gates, visitors will become part of the legend o this club, which strives to be eternal and universal. We adhere our name and potential to a unique location, a strategic meeting place and a project of unprecedented dimension located less than four hours away by flight of 2,000 million people".

"Once again, the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium serves as the starting point of a thrilling project. The world of sports and Real Madrid again prove to have no boundaries and that football is a fantastic tool with which to make different people and cultures come together. This team's fans are passionate wherever they may be and never give up. Their dreams motivate us on a daily basis".

"Santiago Bernabeu gave Real Madrid the unique capacity to go beyond this country's frontiers and those of us who administer this legacy are aware of the challenge that comes with handling what gave this club a mythical and legendary status. Real Madrid Resort Island will be a sports touristic complex of the highest level, covering 50 hectares in which tourism and sport will seduce millions of people in search of a quality leisurely activities".

Real Madrid Resort Island

"This is a decisive and strategic step that will enhance the strength of this institution in the Middle East and Asia, a key region in which the passion for this club has been apparent. Our collaboration grows increasingly stronger and we are proud of it. Real Madrid and the Government of Ras Al Khaimah want to transmit the passion of Real Madrid and what it means throughout the world".

Louis Armand de Rouge, RAK Participations & RAK Marjan Island Football CEO, and Dr. Khater Massaad analysed the Real Madrid Resort Island, explaining it will hold a theme park, the first stadium open to the sea, a Real Madrid museum, numerous sports facilities, a sport port, a residencial area and luxury hotels.

One billion US dollars have been invested in the project and it is expected to open in January 2015. It will be the first theme park on an artificial island to combine tourism and sports, and it will be the first recreational tourism complex built under the Real Madrid trademark.

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Florentino Perez wants a new Santiago Bernabeu Stadium

The Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will continue in its present location for many years. Although there was a parcel reserved in the Valdebebas Sports City to build a new stadium as was showed in the initial project, Florentino has made clear that the current Bernabeu Stadium is the ideal setting for sporting interests of the first team and a "gold mine", as reported several times between the managers of the white club.

Santiago Bernabeu Project

The stadium generates 25% of the club's annual income, thanks to the money raised by contributions from members and subscribers as well as the ticketing for matches and 4,200 VIP locations. The rest of the revenue comes from television rights (35%), commercial operation (30%), UEFA (5%) and rights for selling T-shirts (5%).

Therefore Florentino Perez has decided to present to the membership-electors in the next Assembly (September 25) the new Santiago Bernabeu project. This is to create, on the facade of the stadium facing the Paseo de La Castellana Street, an area of entertainment and shopping center of over 30,000 square meters in which will be located a mall, several upscale restaurants and a five stars hotel, whose main interest will be to rent suites overlooking the field so that fans can watch Real Madrid matches without leaving the room. In most modern stadiums in England and America this is quite common.

Is also being studied closing the stadium with a cover, which will cost about 40 million euros. The club expects a minimum return of 200 million euros for this ambitious project.

Real Madrid: 450 million euros in revenues

Florentino Perez has called on his management on Monday to celebrate the Board meeting that has to take stock of what has been the 2010-11 season and inform about the next season project. Accounts will be discussed as well as transfers. One more season, the president will close a year with benefits, expecting revenues of more than 450 million euros and profit before tax more than 30 million euros. These are record figures in the sports industry.

Florentino Perez

Last season ended the year with revenues of more than 442 million euros. The reasons for this growth are several. Mainly, the influx of spectators to the stadium, ticket salesand revenue from the Champions League. Mourinho has made the white team reachedthe semifinals and this has meant more money from the UEFA. The VIP boxes, the Tour and the section on marketing have been successful.

Beyond the numbers, Florentino with his managers will analyze what are the new projects of the football and basketball teams, which has meant the work of Mourinho, with the achievement of the Spanish Cup and reach the semifinals of Champions League, and the signings already made (Sahin, Altintop and Callejon).

The projects implemented by the Foundation, with the creation of schools and other activities, will also occupy an important part of the meeting, as works undertaken in the Stadium and the Valdebebas Sports City. Florentino continues with its plan to have a pioneering stadium and will be discussed the upcoming projects and all proposals.

The Board is satisfied with the work being done in this last season. It is considered that the club has grown in every way and there is an ambitious project. The leaders are committed to winning more titles.

Florentino Perez: "This is the beginning of a great era"

Florentino Perez, president of Real Madrid, said at the assembly of supporters' clubs, held at Valdebebas Sports City, that the recently conquered title of "Copa del Rey" is the start of a great time: "The supporters' clubs worldwide are the Real Madrid. This football factory you can see here, makes the club stronger and in one of the great references. We are convinced that the Spanish Cup is only the beginning of a great time", in an act where also appeared Aitor Karanka and Esteban Granero.

Florentino Perez: Supporters' Clubs Meeting 2011

"If something characterizes this institution is its hunger for wins and titles. This year we have laid the groundwork for future compliance with the challenges of our Real Madrid. We have a spectacular team, very young, with the best coach of the world and a great technical team, which has already achieved the first title. This first cup is just the beginning of a great era", the president said.

"This year we won the Spanish Cup and next season we look for more success, but we only succeed if we have the support of our fans. We have a young team with the best coach in the world, but ye are, madridistas, who transmit the values ​​of a club that is yours and which must remain eternal thank to you", Perez said during the speech.

The meeting of supporters' clubs was held for the first time in the Sports City of Real Madrid something that satisfied Florentino Perez: "The sports city is the pride of all us. Here every day is forged our identity and are built our dreams. Our identity has been reached based in successes and difficulties, becuase the ability to never give up represents us. That value made ​​us the biggest club in the twentieth century and will do forever", he said.

Florentino Perez was also proud of the role that the youth ranks of Real Madrid have performed this season: "We believe in the effort, the dedication and talent and especially in the work with the youth teams. Here, we educate and prepare our young people and think about the fans who feel the Real Madrid. The homegrown players know when they come here that if something characterizes this institution is the thirst for victories and titles".

Florentino Perez: "We will not stop until the tenth"

Florentino Perez took the presentation of the book "Zidane: The elegance of a plain hero" at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, to send a message to all the Real Madrid fans on what is his main target as president of the club: "We will not stop until the tenth Champions League". With these words the Real Madrid president made ​​clear that his dream is to return the club to the continental hegemony.

Florentino Perez and Zinedine Zidane

Seated at the right hand of the president was Zinedine Zidane as an exceptional witness, the main architect of the last Champions has come to the showcases of the Bernabeu Stadium and for whom Florentino was full of praise: "Zidane was strategic in 2000. His signing had become an obsession and a dream for me. It took us longer than we thought, but finally he got home, the Real Madrid. His goal in the final in Glasgow is the best in the history of the competition; beauty and complexity, implementation and importance. With him we won our ninth European Cup and no doubt that we will not stop until the tenth".

Zinedine Zidane responded to the praise of the president: "I thank you for bringing me to Madrid. To play here is the dream of many and I was lucky. And I had the opportunity to be five years in the best club in the world".

French former player, who from months ago has become part of the establishment of the club, expressed his desire to remain joined to the institution: "I am now working with the club and look forward to working many years here with Mourinho, Butragueño, Pardeza...".

The other match (4). Mourinho vs Valdano

Jorge Valdano was fired yesterday as general manager of Real Madrid, a position he agreed in 2009, in the second stage of Florentino Perez as president of the club. The news was made official after the meeting of the board and was Florentino himself who informed at 9:24 pm that the club had "terminated its contract with Valdano" due to "dysfunctions" in the sport organization. The club removes the general direction that led Valdano, which is absorbed by the general direction that leads José Ángel Sánchez, with Mourinho as sports chief and spokesman in this area.

Florentino Perez at the press conference

Valdano's firing ends a story that was doomed from the start. On May 31, 2010, in the presentation of the Portuguese as Real Madrid coach, Jorge Valdano began his speech in this way: "Before the presentation I wanted to resolve the prevailing morbidity. During my time as communicator I wrote about the divine and the human, and occasionally talked about Jose Mourinho in an aggressive tone. That was solved three years ago at a meeting, he also responded aggressively and we fix it very quickly. There is no problem".

But there was. Mourinho has never forgotten. In February 2006, Valdano wrote this after a match Barcelona-Chelsea, then coached by Mourinho: "I think the poor state of Stamford Bridge was his plan A. The B was also muddy the press conference accusing Messi doing theater in the Del Horno's send-off. Does it talk bad about Mourinho? Yes. Does it talk bad about football? No. On the contrary, this game is a metaphor for life, the trap is not successful. I like the pose of Mourinho, but that does not mean I believe in his innocence". In 2008, Valdano pointed similar arguments: "Mourinho is a errant soul who does not know what is. Guardiola is different. He symbolizes an idea that some of us advocate (as holy) and others attack (as damn)".

It was not necessary wait long to see that Mourinho had not forgiven. In September, the coach blamed Valdano of not to let him train to Portugal in two qualifying matches for EuroCup. In October, the clash occurred for attending the "Prince of Asturias Awards". In December, Mourinho showed a list of refereeing mistakes and called for more institutional support. At that point, Florentino still supported Valdano: "It is customary at the club not to mention referees; What we had to say, Valdano has said. He is our spokesman and who represents best the club's image".

The disagreements continued, but in March, Florentino was closer to the postulates of Mourinho: "To defend Real Madrid of what is unfair, irregular and arbitrary is also be madridista, and that makes our coach". Mourinho had already raised an ultimatum: "Either Valdano or me".

On May 15, after the match against Villarreal, Valdano denied his out: "I do not abandon. The news that I'm going to leave the team, is false. I will continue next season". Yesterday, he said these words: "I did not miss the truth, I said what I felt. I have not resigned. The club has dispensed with me".

Juventus, Benzema and Lass

Florentino Perez met Thursday in Madrid with the CEO of Juventus, Beppe Marotta. According to all the Italian media, the Juventus' target is to get the Benzema's signing or loan, the transfer of Lass and the assignment of Garay. They also asked about Arbeloa. According to Real Madrid, during lunch there was no talk of players. At the lunch also spoke the technical secretary of the Italian team, Fabio Paratici, whio featured reports on Chiellini, a tough and experienced international defender, 27 years old.

Florentino Perez

Juventus have made ​​a bad season. It is the seventh in the Italian League and is out of Europe. The gap with its historic rivals, AC Milan (Italian champion) and Inter has been getting bigger every season since "Moggigate", but other teams with less history than the Juventus, as Napoli, Udinese and Lazio have also passed them in recent years. This forces the Juve to recover the lost prestige in the field and in the courts. So the approach to Real Madrid and its players. The problem for the Turin team is that does not have much money.

However, the agent of Benzema, Karim Djaziri has played down the claims: "At the moment there is nothing and I think Benzema will stay at Real Madrid even next season because he is happy there. The rest is just talk", Djaziri told.

Then, there is the case of Lass. Sahin's arrival has unnerved Lass, which could leave Real Madrid this summer. The French midfielder met last Monday with his agent, John Williams, at the Mirasierra Suites hotel. The agent visited the white team to discuss the future of Lass at the request of the player. The midfielder fears that next season has still less prominence in the Mourinho's team. So he ordered his agent to talk to Real Madrid about his wishes to change at the end of this season.

Lass is a player with a good lineup in England and that is the destination that pleases him. In fact, last winter the midfielder already received an offer to return to the Premier, but Madrid closed its doors. Anyway, now Mourinho is not willing to keep him if he wants a change. The presence of Xabi and Khedira, the success of Pepe's presence in midfield and the arrival of Sahin, cause that Lass does not see a clear future in Madrid.

Florentino Perez: "The Spanish Cup was an obsession"

The Real Madrid celebrated yesterday the Spanish Cup title with the public institutions of the city and the region. During the celebrations, the president and several players spoke about the season and thanked the support of the fans.

Real Madrid during official reception at City Hall

Real Madrid needed feel champion again. The "Copa del Rey" has returned the "big club" sensations. Florentino Perez, the president, acknowledged at the official reception at City Hall what has cost to get this title. Therefore has a special flavor: "Spanish Cup was an obsession. Now we want to achieve more", he said.

Cup trophy was one of which have refused more in his mandates: "We've been champions after chasing it many years, but I hope it was only the beginning of a winning streak. We can continue dreaming of Real Madrid bigger", he commented.

Florentino Perez, wanted to thank all madrid fans who gathered in the official reception at City Hall: "But success is shared. The credit goes together staff, coaches and fans. The city support has been crucial for the Real Madrid. It was a triumph for the city. Thanks for the support".

"This team belongs to hundreds of millions of fans around the world. For Real Madrid there are no borders, wherever we are, we have a responsibility to unite our name to this community that gives us so much affection. This is the Spanish Cup of all fans", he finished.

Iker Casillas was equally grateful, the captain said: "Thanks for your support. This means that we want to come here with more titles". The message overflowed optimism: "With this team sure we can hold more titles" he said. After that, Sergio Ramos spoke to the fans as second captain: "Thank you all for being here with us. Relax, the Cup is secure and does not fall", he joked. "We were eager to get this trophy. We hope to return to celebrate it. Thank you".

Florentino Pérez supports to Jose Mourinho

Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez, had no hesitation in supporting star coach Jose Mourinho, in his criticism of the League competition schedule that the Portuguese has been reporting for several weeks.

Florentino Pérez and Jose Mourinho

"We defend to Real Madrid for what we believe is unfair, irregular and arbitrary. That's also love for a team and that is precisely what our coach Jose Mourinho is doing" said the president in the ceremony of badges to members who reach 25, 50 and 60 years o fassociation with the white club.

"Dominion is to recognize the merits and successes of the adversary, but also acknowledge what is unfair and denounce such illegal actions, either within or outside the institution" he added. The president's words were applauded by all those attending the event.

The president also recalled the "genetic code" of best club in the twentieth century: "We must seek victory, no matter how difficult". "The hallmarks of Real Madrid are the sacrifice, honesty and constant quest for victory. We must try to be the best team in thetwenty-first century, not only in sports but in growing infrastructure, image and projection. We work for it ".

In addition, Florentino Perez was proud to participate in the badges ceremony for veterans members, held this morning in Madrid: "This is a very emotional ceremony in which rewards loyalty". "Partners members are the great strength of Real Madrid", he concluded. The club delivered this morning 2,346 silver badge (for members who meet 25 years), 141 gold (50 years of membership) and 146 gold and diamond (60 years of membership).

Florentino Pérez inaugurated a social-sports school in Riyadh

The Real Madrid president, Florentino Pérez, was very pleased in Riyadh for the next birth of the first social-sports school of the Real Madrid Foundation in Saudi Arabia: "Real Madrid is a football legend, which gives us the unique ability to cross borders in search of charitable causes that can help those most in need", white president said during the presentation.

This was the last stop of the Real Madrid Foundation after inaugurating, two days after, a social-sports school in Adu Dhabi (UAE), without forgetting that the Real Madrid Foundation is already present in 32 countries with the operation of 68 sports academys.

"Our target is not to develop players, but rather to help children develop in other aspects of life and to learn and spread the values of Madridismo. Talent, the ability to overcome adversity, respect for rivals, teamwork, hard work, solidarity..." he emphasized.

So Pérez is clear that these "schools can improve the quality of life of about thirty thousand children around the world". "Our goal is to reach 500 schools spread throughout the world", said the president in comments reported by the club's website.

"Thank you all for sharing this challenge with us and thank you to Saudi Arabia, which is already in Real Madrid's heart. We also want to be leaders in charitable causes. We will never forget our goal of making the world a more fair place", he finished.

During his stay in Riyadh, Florentino Perez visited the Prince Salman Bin Abdul-AzizAl-Saud, Governor of Riyadh, at the Government Palace where they spoke about the objectives that both the Real Madrid Foundation as the Prince Salman search through the creation of the first social-sports school in Riyadh. The agreement was signed on 7 February at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The Riad future school expects nearly 300 children and will serve as a starting point for an alliance of present and future.