Potential Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has suggested
he is confident of signing Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Perez is currently the only candidate for the post and, if no
one else enters the running before the May 31 deadline, he will
resume the role he held from 2000 to 2006.
And, after saying he feels ‘ashamed’ of what happened to the
club’s reputation under Ramon Calderon – who stepped down after
allegations of vote-rigging in relation to the financial budget –
Perez has vowed to restore Madrid’s standing as a great side built
on good values.
He told Marca: “I am ashamed that this institution, for which
principles are absolutely vital, has for several years become
associated with things that should not be associated
with any institution – not least an institution like Madrid,
which exists on the basis on fair values.”
On his previous spell at the club, he added: “It was a time when
football became spectacular, when we thrilled the world as we took
our values around the world.
“The quality of our players paid our debts and for new
facilities.
“We went from losing €60 million to earning €60 million and now
we must go further down this road.
“If we do not have great players, we will not have substantial
income. We will have great players, which will increase revenue in
the shortest time possible.”
Milan star Kaka is thought to be the first player Perez aims to
sign, and he has hinted that a deal is a distinct possibility due
to his relationship with the Italian side’s vice-president, Adriano
Galliani.
“We are not going to speak to any clubs until the elections are
over, but I’ve always had a great relationship with Galliani and
maybe that will make it easier to bring Kaka to Madrid,” he
said.
There has also been fresh speculation that Manchester United
winger Ronaldo could be a target again this summer, and Perez
has done little to play down the reports.
"He's also a player that would be very good if he came to Real
Madrid,” he said.
“What I know is what I've read – that there is an agreement that
would allow him to come for £80m.
"Next week we will look at the numbers and nobody should doubt
that we are going to design a spectacular project with our sporting
advisors."
He added: "When I enter Madrid, I will look at Ronaldo's
supposed release-clause. It's very good but all release clauses are
negotiable.
"I like him because he is one of the best in the world.”
