Real Madrid CF president Florentino Pérez delivered an emotional and defiant press conference on Tuesday after widespread speculation suggested he was preparing to announce the club’s next manager or even step down from his role.

Instead, the long-serving president used the appearance to firmly deny rumours about his future and health, while launching a strong defence against what he described as a campaign aimed at forcing him out of the club.

“I am not resigning. I am calling for new elections at the club. There are campaigns against me. But I’m still here, and I’m the president,” Pérez declared.

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The 79-year-old appeared visibly angered by recent reports claiming he was battling cancer and preparing to leave the club.

“People said I have cancer. This is all made up. My health is perfect. If they told me I had cancer, I would have to go to a cancer centre. It would have been all over the world. It’s not true,” he said.

Pérez repeatedly insisted that he remains fully committed to Real Madrid and accused unnamed individuals of working behind the scenes against him.

“I work day and night like an animal for Real Madrid. There’s a campaign against me, and I’m calling elections because Real Madrid belongs to the socios,” he stated.

Despite growing pressure following a disappointing season, Pérez pointed to the club’s achievements during his tenure.

“With me as president, we’ve won 37 football titles. Real Madrid is the club with the most titles in the world. It is the most valuable club according to Forbes and the most valuable sports brand,” he added.

Many supporters had expected Pérez to address speculation surrounding the club’s next manager, with José Mourinho heavily linked with a sensational return. However, the president declined to comment on the matter.

“I am not here today to comment on this,” Pérez said when asked about the managerial situation.

He ended the press conference with a defiant message to his critics.

“I will leave when someone defeats me in an election. They are not going to intimidate me.”

FKA/MA

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