Photo Reveals Connection Between Haaland and Real Madrid Candidate

A photo from 2021 has surfaced showing Enrique Riquelme, a candidate for Real Madrid's presidency, alongside Erling Haaland, the Manchester City striker. This image reemerged following recent controversy sparked by Riquelme's announcement that he would sign Haaland if he wins the club's presidential election.

The Spanish newspaper Marca reported that before the season began, businessman Enrique Riquelme posted a photo with Haaland and representatives including Ozuna, Ignacio Malquier, Sandra Garcia, and Sanjuan Machado. Marca noted that nearly four years later, this picture gained widespread attention after Riquelme declared on Pablo Motos's show "El Hormiguero" that he intended to sign Haaland if he defeated Florentino Pérez in the election.

According to El Mundo, Riquelme's relationship with Haaland and his entourage dates back to 2021, when they shared a late dinner in Marbella and reached an agreement with Haaland's father outside the scope of his agent. At that time, Haaland was playing for Borussia Dortmund. However, Riquelme's presidential bid was unsuccessful, and Haaland eventually signed with Manchester City. Since then, Riquelme has maintained close ties with Haaland and his associates.

Manchester City issued a statement denying the Spanish reports about Haaland's future, calling them false and stating there is no contractual clause allowing such a transfer. The club added that it is considering legal action due to the unauthorized use of their player's image in this context.

Enrique Riquelme had previously affirmed that if he wins the presidential election against Florentino Pérez, he would bring Erling Haaland to Real Madrid. Speaking on "El Hormiguero," Riquelme said, "Haaland has a release clause in his contract, and if I win the elections, he will play for Real Madrid."

He also emphasized, "Nothing from the club will be sold; it will remain fully owned by the members. This is very clear here. If I fail to fulfill any of my promises regarding signing Rodri and Haaland, I have signed a guarantee that if any breach occurs, I will pay 100% of the membership fees to all 100,000 Real Madrid members."