04 June,2026 06:55 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Florentino Perez and Erling Haaland (Pics: X)
The battle for the Real Madrid presidency has intensified as the two opposing candidates ramp up their election campaigns. Current president Florentino Perez has announced potential new manager Jose Mourinho in his campaign media, while his challenger, Enrique Riquelme, has provoked a strong reaction from Manchester City following public statements regarding Erling Haaland.
This high-profile name-dropping arrives just days before the club's official members vote on Sunday.
"MOUcha historia por hacer ("So MOUch history to make")," read the caption on a post by Perez on X published late Wednesday that included a video of Mourinho saying "Si" ("Yes").
Mourinho previously managed Madrid between 2010 and 2013. If appointed, he would take over from Alvaro Arbeloa following a disappointing period that saw the team complete a second consecutive season without securing a major trophy.
Meanwhile, Riquelme went public with his ambitious plans during a popular late-night television talk show on Wednesday, declaring his goal to snatch Haaland away from Manchester City. During the broadcast, the show's host displayed a mock Real Madrid jersey bearing Haaland's name to loud applause from the studio audience.
"Haaland has a clause (in his contract) and wants to come to Madrid," said the 37-year-old businessman who has made his career in renewable energy. Riquelme also said if elected, he would negotiate with City to bring in Spain midfielder Rodri.
City reacted with a statement on Thursday that read: "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," Manchester City's statement continued. The Premier League club also noted that it was "considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context."
Back in January 2025, Haaland committed his long-term future to Manchester City by signing a highly lucrative contract extension running until 2034.
The official communication from Manchester City did not comment on the situation regarding Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d'Or recipient, whose current agreement with the club is set to run through 2027.
(With AP inputs)
