Perez: I Know Who Leaked the Valverde and Tchouameni Fight, and I Want to Win the Champions League

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez appeared in a media interview with the famous Spanish journalist Josep Pedrerol, where he discussed various issues. This comes about 24 hours after appearing in a press conference yesterday.

Perez said: "Did you read the ABC newspaper today? No. The last time I read it was yesterday when, before entering the press conference, I read a message saying they think I'm tired. If I'm tired, it's from work. But what they want to convey is that I'm exhausted and that I have illnesses. It's very difficult to live with these rumors and those media outlets that promote that.

He added: "What hurts you the most? All the rumors. This is a personal rumor. Then there's the club, which is in good economic and social health."

He continued: "Do you feel the need to attack journalists? I endure everything, but it's very difficult to live in this hostile atmosphere. I said: it's over."

He followed: "Do you have the desire to continue? Of course. And to win more Champions Leagues. And you, Pedrerol, do you also believe that I'm sick? (The press said he was suffering from cancer)."

He emphasized: "Do you really think there's an organized campaign? Of course. I inherited this club when there was a journalist I don't want to name. I don't talk to journalists because, first of all, I'm very busy. I have a huge company. I don't do interviews because I think it's not good to conduct interviews."

Regarding going two years without titles: "We have come to undervalue what we have. Last year we won the European Super Cup and the Club World Cup. Isn't that important anymore? We should not reach this level of exaggeration. This is an organized campaign. I am not the owner of Real Madrid; the members are the owners. Faced with this conflict, I decided to call for elections. In this state of constant instability, I had to do it."

On the desire of Spanish businessman Riquelme to extend the election period so he can run: "I don't know that man. When the elections were announced in 2000, I didn't ask for a delay. I ran and I won."

He explained: "Are you worried about the boos at the Bernabeu? No. I've been here for a quarter of a century, Josep. Do you think after all this time? I've been told all sorts of things. I don't want this atmosphere. I want anyone who wishes to run to do so. I tell the members they are the real owners, and I see it as very bad to boo the players. Regarding the fights, players have fought every year. When things become public, it's because someone wanted it to be known. I know who leaked the fight between Valverde and Tchouameni, and then everything becomes chaos and disaster... Man, please!"

He continued: "People expected Real Madrid to be better with Mbappe? This season didn't go as we wanted, but we did things too. The root of everything goes back to the Club World Cup. We couldn't regain physical fitness. Finishing the season in second place... So what should Atletico do? And the rest of the teams?"

He noted: "They (journalists) want to influence Real Madrid. With me, they won't. Since 2000, they haven't been able to influence me, but I get along well with everyone. Except for those who promote rumors. There are people who don't want the power to be with the members, and I want it to be with them."

Regarding Ultras Sur: "There are some Ultras Sur members who operate secretly, and they won't return to the Bernabeu. People congratulate me because of that. They shouldn't be in a football stadium, and I've managed to expel them. This year we expelled 1600 Real Madrid members who were trading in season tickets."