The election timeline was accelerated by Perez, a move Riquelme claims forced him to adjust a strategy originally aimed at 2028. Despite the tension, the challenger maintained a level of professional respect for the man who has overseen one of the most successful periods in the club's modern history while insisting that the members deserve a choice.
"It has been brought forward three years, we know what rules there are, that other types of opinions are sought, and it would be good to compare with all due respect how we see Madrid, so that the members can give their opinion," he said. "Total respect to Real Madrid, to the institution, to Mr. Florentino Perez as a businessman and as president - we have all enjoyed the titles. What we are not going to do is be part of a paraphernalia."