Perez: Ozil couldn’t take pressure

Florentino Perez says that Mesut Ozil wanted to leave Real Madrid, and that Gerard Pique is wrong in his assertion about how the club bought Gareth Bale.

Los Blancos’ late activity in the transfer window has continued to attract discussion in recent weeks, with Ozil’s departure to Arsenal on the final day of the market having upset fans.

However, the club’s President has made clear today that the situation was aided by the player’s desire to leave.

“Ozil asked to leave the club and nobody here should be upset about it,” Perez commented to Bernabeudigital.com.

“He could not stand the pressure of Madrid.”

The President also reflected on Barcelona defender Pique’s recent comments that Madrid have been able to fund a number of transfers in recent years with assistance from national bank Bankia.

“What Pique has said is not true. He is a good guy and we should not focus on this point.

“The club paid for the player, with no assistance from Bankia or any other financial institution.”

Perez, who will face shareholders at their annual meeting this weekend, reflected on the decision in 2010 to bring in Jose Mourinho, in light of a difficult final year last season.

“We had to make a strong point to break the sporting situation with Barca and we got Mourinho.

“He is a Coach who has helped us, we have taken a quantum leap thanks to him, especially in Europe.

“I really like him and he did great things for this club. His opinions and methods of working are correct.”

Iker Casillas has begun this season as he finished the last, behind Diego Lopez in the pecking order.

“We have got two of the best goalkeepers in the world and both are from our youth set-up. This is a privilege.”

Madrid continue to draw up plans to redevelop the Santiago Bernabeu.

“It will be at a cost of €300m-€400m and will pay out €80m a year. Funding will be provided through a loan, but season tickets will not increase in price and in the coming weeks the winning design will be announced.”

Tags Bale Florentino Perez Ozil Pique
La Liga - Club News