Florentino Perez has been re-elected as President of Real Madrid by a tangible majority.
His win makes the way for the comeback of Portuguese manager, Jose Mourinho, to the Club.
Perez, 79-years of age, who has been President of the Los Blancos across two (2) spells, carted “65%” of the votes to defeat Enrique Riquelme, 37-year old challenger, who won “35%” votes, as made known by the Club.
Via a statement on its official website, Real Madrid announced: “The Electoral Board of Real Madrid announces that, with 100% of the in-person and mail-in votes counted, the candidacy led by Mr. Florentino Pérez has won the elections for President and Board of Directors of Real Madrid.
“This candidacy received 21,741 votes, representing 65%. The candidacy led by Mr. Enrique Riquelme received 11,814 votes, representing 35%.”
Following his victory, Perez said: “We have won the elections and will continue working to keep winning titles.”
The outcome means Jose Mourinho will be announced as Real Madrid’s new head coach on Monday.
Mourinho, 63, will return to Santiago Bernabeu after being in charge last, thirteen (13) years ago, with Madrid paying Mourinho’s current club Benfica a reported 15 million euro ($17.25 million) release fee.
Perez added: “We will continue to take pride in the Santiago Bernabeu stadium, the best stadium in the world.
“Proud to have the best players in the world, proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a Madridista like Jose Mourinho.”
The former Manchester United manager first joined Real Madrid in 2010 and spent three (3) seasons at the Club.
During his tenure he clinched one (1) La Liga championship, one (1) Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. Within that period, Mourinho was in intense rivalry with Barcelona’s Pep Guardiola.
Perez said: “And we will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup.”
Defeated candidate, Riquelme, had pledged to secure the signature of Manchester City Norwegian striker, Erling Braut Haaland, if he won.
Spanish giants, Real Madrid, is owned entirely by members who elect the President.
Photo: Florentino Perez, President of Real Madrid | Real Madrid C.F./X
