Florentino Perez has reflected on Real Madrid’s difficulty in signing Neymar, his plans for Zinedine Zidane and when he will sign a new Coach.
Madrid were thought to have entered this summer’s bidding process for Santos’ Neymar, only to see him opt for Barcelona.
Reflecting on the matter this week, Los Blancos’ President highlighted the barriers that his side faced.
“Three years ago there was a possibility to sign him and we wanted to take it, but then his club would not release him and he renewed his contract,” Perez revealed on Cadena SER.
“He seems a great player and we would have signed him had the conditions not been altered by the club.
“We had to negotiate with the club, the father, a fund that has 40 per cent of his rights.
“He would have cost us more than €150m. I do not know how much he went to Barca for.”
Perez is set to stand for re-election as President at the start of next month and could be in position by June 2 if no other candidates present a bid.
The 66-year-old indicated that on from knowing his future, he will determine that of Madrid’s next Coach, thought to be Carlo Ancelotti.
“The other day I appeared in 12 of the Madrid sports newspapers. If there is no candidate, I will take office on Tuesday and will start with the issue of the Coach.
“First I will talk to him, because even if people do not believe it, we have not spoken to anyone. I would like that Zidane takes a lead.
“I would also like for someday for him to be Madrid Coach. When the Coach arrives, he and Zidane will see how we can make a qualitative leap.
“Ancelotti? We will not discuss this issue until next week. Klopp? I like him. He is a good Coach. My opinion is that he is suitable for Madrid, but his players are much younger than those of Madrid.”
Madrid in search of a new Coach this summer having seen Perez mutually agree with Jose Mourinho for the Portuguese to leave.
“We had not had to pay compensation. For Karanka I do not know. I do not know if he will go, but I think he has annuity. All the players have told me that Mourinho is the best Coach they have ever had.
“His power at the club? Everyone has had the same, but the character of each is different. I never say anything to the Coach.
“We have not lose our image [as a club]. I’ve seen a Coach of Madrid poke his finger [at Tito Vilanova]. What Mourinho did then was wrong, and he has acknowledged so, but it does not change 110 years of history.
“What happens is that everything he does becomes of global significance.”
The President was asked for comment on a number of transfer situations at the club.
“Kaka? That will be decided by Zidane and the Coach. What is included is the renewal of contracts with sponsors. There is €400m more in revenue through him and others.
“He has had the misfortune to be injured and has not been at the level that we had all hoped. Then came Ozil. But he is a spectacular person.
“Ronaldo and his sadness? I do not know if he has had an offer from PSG. As I have said, when we speak, I would do my best to see that he is not sad.
“It was a bad moment and it has passed. Since his behaviour has been spectacular. Mourinho advised me to never sell him.
“How will I if he has been the best player by far? Cristiano has been exemplary and has no problems with anyone. He is the best in the world and I want him to be the best paid in the world.
“Alonso? We are delighted with him. He has a contract for a year and the new Coach and Zidane will see how to do things.
“He is very difficult to replace. It is one of the biggest problems we have in the future, but we want to enjoy him a little more.
Higuain? Nobody has spoken with Juventus.”
