Perez: Mourinho and Konate are my first signings, and this trio will stay at Real Madrid

Florentino Perez, the candidate for the presidency of Real Madrid, appeared in a lengthy press interview with journalist Jose Felix Diaz through the Spanish newspaper 'AS,' where he discussed many important matters.

Perez said in his speech: 'If I am elected president, Konate will be my first signing and will play for Real Madrid. We are working on all deals. I confirm that if I remain president, one of the best defenders in the world, Konate, will play for Real Madrid next season, and he won't be the only top defender coming; more players will arrive. Everyone who knows me knows that top players want to play for Real Madrid, and I achieve that.'

He added: 'First, I feel the love and support of the members and fans of Real Madrid every day. Everyone tells me that we will continue working together to make Real Madrid bigger and greater. I am talking these days with many of them and listening to them attentively as I always do. I receive many of their proposals and interests, and I will work to keep Madridistas united. This has been the key to all our successes and to living a great era. Therefore, it is very important for members to go and vote on Sunday and not stay at home because we have a lot at stake in these elections.'

He continued: 'Do you see that the member and the fans are excited about what Florentino Perez can offer? I always see them excited because they have known me for 26 years and know what we have done. As president of Real Madrid, I won 7 European Cups, which no other president in history has achieved. And with all humility, I believe that during this period, after all we have achieved on sporting, social, and economic levels, the members know that I have something that is not acquired quickly, which is credibility.'

He followed: 'Is there a message to restore Real Madrid fans' confidence after a difficult season? My message is to trust us as they always have. I assure you that we will have a very strong team and a large squad with new signings, and we will strengthen all lines of the team to compete for all championships.'

He explained: 'I always say that football is not always won. We did not get the expected results, but we identified the problems we faced this season. The team couldn't have a preparation period due to the Club World Cup, which affected us throughout the season. We suffered around 30 injuries in the first half of the season, some long-term, and this was decisive. It was not the fault of the players or the coaches, but circumstances beyond control, and we are now working to face the challenges of the new season.'

He noted: 'The members know well that we are living one of the greatest phases in our history, with 6 European championships in 10 years, something no one has done. And beyond the championships, Real Madrid tops all global club management rankings. Just days ago, Forbes magazine confirmed to us again that we are the most valuable club in the world for the fifth consecutive year and the highest income in sports history, even surpassing the Dallas Cowboys.'

Regarding changes in club management or ownership: 'Since I became president of Real Madrid, my management has always aimed to make the club stronger to win and be independent, and for the members to always be the owners. My goal is for the identity of Real Madrid to remain unchanged in values, as they know me, as long as I am president, the best players in the world will be here, and we will strengthen the team with top players in all positions.'

On the return of Nico Paz: 'Nico Paz is one of the players who grew up in our academy, and he is having a good season with Como in Italy, and we have the possibility of bringing him back this year, and the decision will be made in consultation with the coach and the technical staff.'

Regarding the signing of Mourinho: 'Jose Mourinho is one of the best coaches in the world, and he was very important for Real Madrid in his previous period, and he was the coach of the historic league. He raised the level of competition within the team, and that was the basis for what was achieved later. Mourinho and Konate are my first signings.'

Concerning renewing Vinicius's contract: 'Vinicius Junior is one of the best players in the world, and he is very happy at Real Madrid, and he was decisive in the last two European championships, and he has one year left on his contract, and there is time, but he wants to stay and I want him to stay.'

About the future of the trio Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius: 'Kylian Mbappe is one of the best players in the world, and his numbers confirm that, and there should be no doubt about his value, he will give us a lot and will be successful at Real Madrid. Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius will continue at Real Madrid, we are talking about exceptional players, all the big clubs want them, and we have them, and they will certainly stay with us.'

Regarding his opinion on Enrique Riquelme: 'I respect everyone, but there is a reality, they are sons and relatives and former officials from Ramon Calderon's board, which caused the biggest scandal in the history of Real Madrid. Sunday's elections will determine which model we want: the model of that dark phase, or the model we built and in which we live one of the greatest phases in the club's 124-year history.'

He concluded: 'Complete the sentence: Real Madrid belongs to whom? To the members. And with me as president, it will always belong to its members. Real Madrid is a great privilege, and I will ensure that everyone always feels that.'