Real Madrid News
‘I’m here to defend the club’ – Florentino Perez outlines ambitious future for Real Madrid after election victory
Florentino Perez will continue to lead Real Madrid for another four years after securing re-election as club president until 2030, and the veteran executive wasted little time in outlining his ambitions for the future.
Following the confirmation of the election result, Perez addressed members and the media, celebrating what he described as another significant victory for both himself and the club.
The Real Madrid president began by highlighting the level of support he received throughout the voting process and insisted that the outcome demonstrated the trust that club members continue to place in his leadership.
Reflecting on the election result, Perez said, “We have won the election and we will continue to work hard to keep winning trophies.
“We won at every polling station and achieved the second-best result in the history of Real Madrid elections. We also achieved the best result in 2004. It is an extraordinary result.
“And I must tell you that it could have been even better because nearly a thousand postal votes have been invalidated – votes that are certified by a notary – due to procedural issues, so we are going to appeal, because we believe we are in the right.”
The president also thanked club members for their support and praised what he described as a democratic and transparent electoral process.
Discurso íntegro de Florentino Pérez tras ser reelegido presidente. pic.twitter.com/ucBkVUPS5L
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 8, 2026
“Once again, you have demonstrated your commitment and loyalty to the club. Today, Real Madrid has won.
“As president of Real Madrid, I am very proud of all of you. It has been a brilliant election day, where members have freely expressed themselves to decide the fate of the greatest club in history.”
More from Perez
Perez also made it clear that his motivation remains unchanged despite his lengthy tenure at the club.
Addressing supporters directly, he declared, “I’m still here. The members know me. I’m here to defend Real Madrid.
“We’re going to keep working so that Real Madrid continues to win titles. We’re going to continue to be proud of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the best stadium in the world.
“And let there be no doubt. With me as president, Real Madrid has been, is and will always remain the club of its members.”
Mourinho return and club unity
Beyond the election result itself, one of the most notable aspects of Perez’s speech was his strong backing of Jose Mourinho, who is expected to begin a new chapter at the club.
Sí. Florentino Pérez ha ganado las Elecciones a la Presidencia del Real Madrid. pic.twitter.com/5gNPpYTpWk
— Florentino 2026 (@Florentino2026_) June 7, 2026
“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud that one of the best managers in the world is returning, a true Madridista like José Mourinho.
“You have shown the world what Madridismo is all about.
“What this feeling represents, uniting millions of people across the globe, including the Pope, who today, from faraway places, are prouder than ever of our Real Madrid.”
He concluded by stressing the importance of remaining united and protecting the values that have helped shape the club’s success.
“We must stand united. We are driven by our passion for Real Madrid. I want to continue building a club that remains at the top of all the most prestigious international rankings.
The most valuable and highest-earning club in the world. And also the club with the greatest international reputation,” he concluded.
Source: Real Madrid website
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
