Riquelme Promises Star Signings Amid Real Madrid Election Race

Enrique Riquelme, a candidate in the forthcoming Real Madrid presidential elections, has pledged to secure the signings of two international stars if he is elected, marking a bold challenge to longstanding president Florentino Perez. This development comes as the club announced its first election in two decades following a disappointing campaign.

Riquelme, speaking to ABC as reported by ESPN, stated, "We have two international stars signed. An agreement is in place for these major players who are critical to the club's future sporting projects." He may unveil the identities of these players during his two-week campaign, which commenced near the Bernabeu Stadium.

The elections were triggered after Real Madrid's La Liga title loss to Barcelona, and as ESPN reports, former manager Jose Mourinho is potentially set to return, though this is pending electoral processes. Riquelme criticized previous managerial changes, emphasizing the need for a sustainable long-term project and considered oversight for the team's development.

(With inputs from agencies.)