Politicians promise the world in a bid to win elections. That has been their modus operandi since the dawn of time. That statement is especially true in the case of elections for the presidency of clubs like Real Madrid. For the first time in two decades, the presidency of the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners is up for election between incumbent president Florentino Perez and the challenger Enrique Riquelme. Ahead of the election on June 7, Enrique Riquelme made some bold promises last night and angered Manchester City in the process.
Enrique Riquelme has promised that Erling Haaland and Rodri will end up at Real Madrid, claims that were quickly refuted.
In a bid to win the Real Madrid presidential race, challenger Enrique Riquelme has promised that Erling Haaland and Rodri will be his star signings if he beats Florentino Perez in the upcoming election. Manchester City are attempting to extend Rodri’s contract with the club and Erling Haaland is the face of the club as they enter a new era. Also, Haaland is contracted until 2034 and it highly unlikely that Haaland is leaving Manchester City anytime soon.
The part of Enrique Riquelme’s declaration that angered Manchester City was when Riquelme revealed that Haaland has a release clause in his contract and will join Real Madrid if Riquelme wins the presidency from Florentino Perez. He said, while producing a Real Madrid jersey with Haaland 9 on the back: “Haaland has a release clause and wants to join Real Madrid.”
Following Enrique Riquelme’s claims, Fabrizio Romano quickly relayed a statement from Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta, and father Alfie Haaland that quickly refuted Riquelme’s promise. Their statement can be seen below.
Manchester City are furious at Enrique Riquelme’s actions.
Following on from Enrique Riquelme’s boast and promise, Manchester City have quickly countered his statement. This morning, in quotes relayed by The Athletic, City said: “The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue.”
“There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it.”
“We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.”
Thoughts.
It is no surprise to see Manchester City react angrily to Enrique Riquelme’s claims. Haaland is contracted with the club until 2034, and there has been, and is, no indication that he wants to leave City. Also, the fact that Riquelme used Haaland’s name and revealed that Haaland had a release clause is a step too far for City. Manchester City’s statement that they are considering legal action over the use of their player’s image says it all. City have also refuted the release clause talk in Haaland’s contract. That is telling in itself also for an entirely different reason.
It isn’t a surprise to see bold claims being used by a candidate in the Real Madrid presidential race. That is how elections are won, whether they are held in football or any other domain. In reality, Riquelme’s claims are nothing but bluster. However, the fact he went so public with his proclamations that Haaland will sign for Real Madrid if Riquelme wins the election has caused a storm that Manchester City should not, and clearly will not, deal with. Manchester City’s statement shows they will not stand for their players being used as a propaganda tool in another club’s presidential election.
Summary.
In reality, Enrique Riquelme’s claims are just hot air. They are simply typical political proclamations designed to attract votes. What Riquelme didn’t factor into the equation was how angrily Manchester City would react to his claims. The Real Madrid presidential candidate may have a different issue on his hands based on City’s reaction to his claims about signing Erling Haaland and Rodri.
