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Riquelme Promises Raul Appointment, Fan Centre, Fee Cut

6/2/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Riquelme Appoints Raúl

Riquelme will appoint Raúl González Blanco as sporting director if he wins the June 7 election.
He pledged a fan centre with pools and a 50 % cut to membership fees.
He also said a manager and two signings, including a Spain international, are already secured.
Analysts say the appointment could be revenge against president Florentino Pérez, who released Raúl after 741 appearances and left Castilla when Xabi Alonso was chosen.

Summary

Riquelme Warns

Juan Román Riquelme warned that the club’s mail-in voting system resembles Maduro’s Venezuela, alleging irregularities.
He said president Florentino Pérez has accepted that he will sell the club, noting no public debate.
Riquelme announced a foreign player will be revealed on Wednesday and said Rodri will wait until after the World Cup to decide his future.
He dismissed José Mourinho as an option but did not rule out Mikel Arteta.

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Riquelme Appoints Raúl

Riquelme will appoint Raúl González Blanco as sporting director if he wins the June 7 election.
He pledged a fan centre with pools and a 50 % cut to membership fees.
He also said a manager and two signings, including a Spain international, are already secured.
Analysts say the appointment could be revenge against president Florentino Pérez, who released Raúl after 741 appearances and left Castilla when Xabi Alonso was chosen.

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