Manchester City have angrily denied claims from a Real Madrid presidential candidate that Erling Haaland will move to the Spanish giants if he wins the election, threatening legal action after his TV stunt.
Businessman Enrique Riquelme is hoping to be voted in as Real Madrid president, replacing Florentino Perez and is making some big claims to achieve that goal.
Appearing on El Hormiguero, Riquelme held up a Real Madrid shirt with ‘Haaland 9’ on the back and promised that the Norwegian would join the club if he is elected.
Riquelme suggested there was a clause in Haaland’s Manchester City contract that means Real Madrid will be able to sign him this summer.
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However, the Premier League club denies the existence of any such clause in his contract, which runs until 2034.
Manchester City have also threatened legal action over the use of Haaland’s image in the controversial stunt.
A spokesperson for Manchester City said: ‘The stories which have emerged from Spain regarding the future of Erling Haaland are untrue.
‘There is no chance of this happening and there is no contractual clause to enable it. We are considering legal action for the use of our player image in this context.’
Haaland’s father Alfie and agent Rafaela Pimenta also made it clear that Riquelme was making false claims.
A joint statement from the pair read: ‘All very entertaining but not true. We wish all the best for both candidates in the Madrid elections.’
Riquelme has also promised that he will sign Rodri, saying last week of the Spanish midfielder: ‘He’s a great player, in a position where Madrid need to strengthen.
‘We’ve spoken to his agent, we have to respect his club, but if I’m president he’ll play for Madrid. I’ll do everything possible.’
On signing both Manchester City superstars he added on Wednesday: ‘If I break my promises regarding either of these players, I’ve signed a guarantee where I’d pay 100 per cent of membership costs for next season.’
Perez has made it clear what he thinks of the claims, saying: ‘I don’t believe a word he says. One of the signings he mentioned was Rodri, but obviously he hasn’t finalised it yet.’
Of his own manifesto, he told El Espanol: ‘We’ll have names before Sunday, don’t worry.
‘People don’t doubt it, people know me. I’ve always generated excitement during my 23 years as president. Those who know me know that the best players will be at Real Madrid and that we’ll win a Champions League title.’