Florentino Perez discusses Real Madrid with Onda Cero
With all that has happened during last season mixed with confusion and excitement for what we can expect this summer and in the upcoming campaign, Real Madrid President Florentino Perez sat with Onda Cero to discuss everything Real Madrid, ranging from Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure to Zinedine Zidane’s return.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Departure:
Florentino Perez has taken this opportunity to deny the rumors and allegations that surrounded Ronaldo’s move to Juventus as the President denied that it had anything to do with money or the club’s refusal to pay for his tax debt. “I think that it was quite clear that he wanted new challenges. He used the Champions League final to say it but he had been thinking about it for some time. He is the best player I have ever signed and I had a great relationship with him. He has never created any problems during the nine years at Real Madrid, never once arriving late or anything.
Zinedine Zidane’s Departure & Julen Lopetegui’s Arrival:
The shocking news that surrounded Zidane’s departure was explained briefly by Perez as he clarified how the whole thing happened. “Zidane came to my office and told me. When Zidane decides something, there is no turning that around. We decided to communicate it the next day.”
Since Zidane was gone, Real Madrid needed a replacement and they ultimately decided on Julen Lopetegui to take the Frenchman’s place which started a problem with the Spanish FA. “At the time, there weren’t many managers available. With Lopetegui, we wanted him to come after the FIFA World Cup. He wanted it to be announced before the World Cup and we spoke to Luis Rubiales about it and he informed us that we were getting a great coach. Something happened that afternoon and they suddenly decided to sack him. We didn’t continue speaking with the Spanish federation since the manager was sacked and therefore we had nothing to pay.”
Perez was then asked if he could go back in time, would he have sacked Lopetegui given how the season ended up going to which the manager said “I don’t know, we didn’t fix anything with the coaching changes…”
Santiago Solari’s Arrival & Zidane’s Return:
After the sacking of Lopetegui, the club decided to promote Santiago Solari as the Argentinean was given an opportunity to take the job of his dreams. Unfortunately for him though, even though things seemed as though they could be improving, the team were still struggling and found themselves out of the UEFA Champions League, the Copa del Rey and La Liga. With eleven games left in the season and nothing to play for, Perez decided to sack Solari and bring Zidane back to the club.
“Zidane had the desire to return. We were aware that the season was over for us and decided to prepare for the next season with the last 11 matches.”
Sergio Ramos’ China Offer:
Rumours have continuously increased in the past few days regarding Sergio Ramos and his desire to leave the club and go to China especially after the supposed altercation between the captain and the President after Los Merengues were knocked out of the Champions League by Ajax.
“Nothing happened. His people came and informed me that there is a very good offer from a Chinese club but that they could not pay the transfer fee because of some rules about having to pay double for transfers. What else can I say other than it is impossible that Real Madrid will let their captain leave for free? It would be a dangerous precedent. That’s all that happened. I love Sergio Ramos and have done all I can for him and if I didn’t do something it was because I couldn’t.”
James Rodriguez & Keylor Navas:
Perez has made it clear that not all decisions have been made for this summer as he admitted that he’s unsure as to what the future holds for James Rodriguez. “No decision has been made yet on James Rodriguez.”
As for Keylor Navas, the goalkeeper is expected to leave this summer but Perez has admitted that the Costa Rican is still part of the club and they are not sure if he is staying or leaving yet even though his last Liga match seemed like a farewell. “I have not said goodbye to him because I am not sure if he will leave.”
Related Story. Sergio Ramos has reportedly demanded an exit from Real Madrid. light
Eden Hazard, Neymar & Kylian Mbappe:
Many are expecting Eden Hazard to be the next official signing of the club after the signings of Rodrygo and Eder Militao have been confirmed. Perez was more than honest about just how much he wants the Belgian to arrive to the Spanish capital.
“I would really like it if Hazard came to Madrid and I hope that he does. He is one of the best players. How are we supposed to talk to a club that have a Final to play? We have been trying to make Hazard a Real Madrid player for a number of years but have been unable to achieve it yet.”
As for Neymar or Kylian Mbappe, it seems extremely clear that neither of them will be coming to the club this summer after Perez has denied any moves for either player.
“I have not spoken with Zidane about Mbappe or Neymar, nor have I with anyone else, nor have we spoken to Mbappe nor will we. Last year we said that we did not want them and this year it is the same. If we want a player, we will speak to the club.”
The President also took this time to make it clear that no decisions have been made yet and the summer plans are pending a meeting between himself and Zidane. “We are not thinking about players. We have to sit with Zidane and see how to move forward. We will have to buy and sell.”
Gareth Bale:
Finally, even though Perez has swerved away from all questions regarding his own players, he has admitted that no offers have been made for Gareth Bale as of now nor has any club made an offer for any other player.