Enrique Riquelme Congratulates Florentino Pérez, Says Campaign Is “Only the Beginning”

Enrique Riquelme addressed Real Madrid members after losing the club’s presidential election to Florentino Pérez, congratulating the incumbent president while insisting that his candidacy had opened an important new chapter in the club’s political life.

Riquelme, who mounted the first serious electoral challenge Pérez has faced since returning to the presidency in 2009, acknowledged Pérez’s victory, and portrayed the campaign as a significant step forward for member participation at Real Madrid.

“Congratulations to Florentino for his victory. And also to the Real Madrid members who were able to vote. It’s a great victory for this candidacy. For us, this isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. Real Madrid won’t go 20 years without another election.”

“Congratulations to Florentino for his victory. And also to the Real Madrid members who were able to vote. It’s a great victory for this candidacy. For us, this isn’t the end, it’s the beginning. Real Madrid won’t go 20 years without another election.”

Riquelme also emphasized respect for the club’s recent legacy, while calling for the kind of debate he believes was missing during the campaign.

“The Real Madrid members who will continue to vote for four years. Respect for the legacy and extending a hand to the debate that we haven’t had. The best thing is that the members are heard. It’s a pleasure to be with you.”

“The Real Madrid members who will continue to vote for four years. Respect for the legacy and extending a hand to the debate that we haven’t had. The best thing is that the members are heard. It’s a pleasure to be with you.”