Riquelme is challenging incumbent Florentino Perez in the Real Madrid presidential election, scheduled for June 7. On the television program El Hormiguero on June 3, the 37-year-old businessman claimed he would sign both Manchester City's Erling Haaland and midfielder Rodri if he won the election.

Enrique Riquelme holds a Real Madrid jersey with Haaland's name printed on it during the El Hormiguero television program.

Riquelme even displayed a Real Madrid jersey bearing Haaland's name and the number 9, asserting that the Norwegian forward has a release clause with Man City and wishes to transfer to the Bernabeu. He also pledged to cover the full membership fees for the upcoming season for approximately 100,000 Real Madrid members if he failed to recruit Haaland and Rodri.

Manchester City swiftly refuted all of Riquelme's statements. In an official communique, the English club affirmed that Haaland's departure from the Etihad Stadium in the near future is unlikely. They also stressed that no such clause, as mentioned by Riquelme, exists to facilitate such a transfer.

The Etihad Stadium owners further disclosed they are evaluating legal measures concerning the use of their player's image within the context of an election campaign. "We are considering legal action regarding the use of our player's image in this manner," Man City's announcement stated.

Enrique Riquelme (second from left) posted a photo with Haaland in 2022. Photo: Instagram / enriqueriquelmev

In 2022, Riquelme shared a photograph on Instagram featuring himself with the Norwegian striker, singer Ozuna, Ignacio Maluquer, and Sandra Garcia-San Juan Machado. The accompanying caption simply read: "Pre-season training."

According to the newspaper El Mundo, the connection between Riquelme and Haaland dates back to 2021. The two reportedly met for dinner in Marbella, where Riquelme allegedly reached an agreement with Haaland's father, bypassing the player's official agent.

At that time, Haaland was still playing for Dortmund. However, Riquelme's electoral bid did not materialize, and the Norwegian striker subsequently joined Man City. Despite this, the 37-year-old businessman is said to maintain contact with Haaland and his close associates.

Erling Haaland celebrates with the championship trophy after Man City defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League final at Ataturk Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey on June 11, 2023. Photo: Reuters

In January 2025, Haaland extended his contract with Manchester City until the summer of 2034, when he will be 34 years old. His agent, Rafaela Pimenta, along with his father, Alfie Haaland, also dismissed the possibility of the 25-year-old striker moving to Madrid.

In a joint statement released on June 4, they said: "It's interesting to follow, but completely untrue. We wish both candidates good luck in the Real Madrid presidential election."

Since joining Man City in 2022, Haaland quickly became a pivotal player, scoring 162 goals in 198 matches across all competitions. He played a significant role in helping the club secure two Premier League titles, one Champions League title, and earned the Premier League's top scorer award in three of the last four seasons.

According to Sky Sports, Manchester City's public statement is a rare occurrence. The Etihad owners aim to quickly quash unverified claims from Real Madrid's presidential candidate. Haaland is considered a central figure in the club's development plans after coach Pep Guardiola's departure.

Florentino Perez posts a video of coach Jose Mourinho in a Real Madrid jersey.

Following Riquelme's statement, incumbent president Florentino Perez launched a counter-attack in the election race. He posted a video on the social media platform X, featuring coach Jose Mourinho in a Real Madrid jersey, uttering only one word: "Yes."

The video was accompanied by the caption: "Meanwhile, on television, people just talk and talk. There is still much history waiting to be made."

This move is widely interpreted as a signal confirming Mourinho's return to manage Real Madrid if Perez is re-elected for his eighth term. Additionally, the royal club has reportedly reached agreements to recruit two defenders: Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konate.

Hong Duy (via Sky Sports)