Real Madrid President Florentino Perez Refuses to Resign After Trophyless Season

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez has firmly declared that he will not resign following a turbulent and trophyless season for the club. Speaking at an unexpected press conference, the 79-year-old executive addressed rumors regarding his potential departure and speculated links to Jose Mourinho's return as coach. Perez confirmed that board elections have been initiated, with current members standing for re-election, and invited any challengers to compete. His animated appearance, which included arguments with journalists, occurred just two days after arch-rivals Barcelona secured the La Liga title by defeating Real Madrid 2-0 at Camp Nou. The season was marked by significant instability, including the dismissal of manager Xabi Alonso after seven months and the subsequent failure of successor Alvaro Arbeloa to reverse the team's decline. Additionally, Real Madrid exited the Champions League in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich. Off-field tensions further compounded the crisis, highlighted by an altercation between captain Federico Valverde and teammate Aurelien Tchouameni that resulted in Valverde's hospitalization. Perez stated his intention to stand in the election to defend the interests of the club's members.