One of the candidates in the Real Madrid presidential election has promised to sign Erling Haaland from Manchester City if he defeats rival Florentino Perez in Sunday’s vote.
Enrique Riquelme appeared on TV show “El Hormiguero” on Wednesday night and held up a Real Madrid shirt with ‘Haaland 9’ on the back, while also vowing to sign Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
“If I break my promises regarding either of these players, I’ve signed a guarantee where I’d pay 100 per cent of membership costs for next season,” Riquelme claimed, according to ESPN. “Haaland has a release clause, and he wants to come to Madrid.”
Haaland last year signed a 10-season contract, which keeps him at the club until 2034. Following Riquelme’s TV appearance, Haaland’s father and agent issued a statement denying Riquelme’s claims.
“All very entertaining but not true,” read a joint statement from Alfe Haaland and the player’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta. “We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections.”
Meanwhile, current president Perez made his own election promise on Wednesday night, revealing Jose Mourinho wearing a Real Madrid saying “yes” amid speculation that he is set to return as manager.
Perez is seeking his eighth term as president and wants to bring former coach Mourinho back to the Bernabeu following a second consecutive season without a trophy.
Fulham boss Marco Silva is set to replace Mourinho at Benfica, clearing the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan manager to return to Real Madrid following a three-year spell that ended in 2013.
Real Madrid’s presidential election will be decided by the club’s members. It is the first contested election since 2006.
