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[A scandal has shaken what once seemed like the unshakable reign of Pérez at Real Madrid. Allegations have emerged that President Florentino Pérez manipulated the voting process at the budget review assembly held last December to push through a controversial two-year budget plan worth 700 million euros.
It is claimed that Pérez granted proxy voting rights to his close aides in order to secure approval for the budget.
In an interview with Marca, Pérez responded, "I did not commit any wrongdoing," and added, "I have nothing to hide."
However, a Real Madrid insider revealed that an internal investigation was soon to take place, stating, "You can't cover the sky with your palm."]
Initially, the socios believed this was all part of a smear campaign orchestrated by the media and Barcelona.
But as the investigation produced more testimony and evidence, public opinion began to shift. Protests calling for Pérez's explanation started appearing across the city.
Pérez officially stated, "There were minor mistakes and misunderstandings, but nothing illegal. Everything was part of a large-scale business process."
Eventually, he put aside major transfer negotiations with AC Milan, Manchester United, and others to focus on crisis management.
However, the situation showed no signs of calming, and the board finally suggested that Pérez resign.
They wanted him to step down with dignity before the socios could demand a formal vote for dismissal.
"This situation is becoming quite serious..."
Inside the president's office at Santiago Bernabéu.
Jorge Valdano, Real Madrid's General Director, carefully voiced his opinion while in a one-on-one meeting with Pérez.
"Still no word from the Middle East?"
"No. The sponsorship deal with the Abu Dhabi royal family is looking bleak. They seem to be leaning toward Manchester United or Barcelona."
"What about Jordan and Bahrain?"
"Doesn't seem likely we'll even get a meeting. With the current climate, they're too busy fighting with FIFA President Sepp Blatter to focus on this."
The Middle East was currently seen as the hottest region in football.
Despite Sepp Blatter's strict regulations, numerous foreign players had either naturalized or transferred to Middle Eastern leagues.
There were even clubs where more than 90% of the players were Brazilian.
A new clause was also being pushed that would allow players to naturalize for a new national team, even after having played in A-match friendlies.
FIFA President Blatter, known for his strong opposition to foreign mercenaries, tried to crack down, but the growing influence of the Middle East made enforcement difficult.
This was why Pérez had tried to build ties there.
He planned to begin with the UAE and expand business into Jordan and Bahrain, using those connections to bring wealthy investors into La Liga.
His long-term plan even involved swaying key FIFA figures and using the next FIFA presidential election to elevate Real Madrid's global status.
In other words, the inflated Galácticos 2.0 budget was meant to finalize the Abu Dhabi sponsorship deal.
But now, it had all gone up in smoke.
No business is without risk, but Pérez had never expected the blow to come from within.
No one could say how well the next president would do, but to allow something like this to happen at such a critical juncture was akin to self-destruction.
The board surely knew that.
The reason they still chose to oust Pérez was simple. They wanted to secure what they desired.
"They didn't like a president who acted alone on risky ventures. And given the timing, the elections can begin right away."
"Mr. President..."
"Schedule a press conference in four days."
"Yes, sir..."
Four days later.
After much thought, Pérez came up with what he believed was the best option under the circumstances.
He had achieved too much to simply walk away empty-handed.
First, he contacted trusted players and reliable people within the football world.
And on the night before the press conference, he called Ho-young into his office.
"This will probably be the last time you visit the president's office."
"Ah... So it's really happening?"
"I had no choice. And you should also take care of yourself. I can't be sure who the next president will be, but whoever it is, they'll likely want to erase every trace of me. That might include you, regardless of your ability. They'll want to leave their mark on the team."
"That could mean I become a target."
No player exists above the team.
No matter how heroic, no single player can stand against a superclub like Real Madrid.
But Pérez's perspective was a little different.
"No matter what happens, you won't be sold. Not unless there's a buyback clause. Just because a promising player like you is part of my legacy doesn't mean they'll blindly let you go. They know what the socios would say."
That was the logical course of action.
Real Madrid needed a hero now more than ever.
"And just before tomorrow's press conference, Miguel will come see you."
"The Technical Director?"
"Yes. My final gift to you."
The next day, a formal press conference was held at Santiago Bernabéu.
All eyes were on Pérez as he began to speak.
"Real Madrid is facing a crisis. I cannot disclose the full details of the club's situation, but if we fail to overcome this by the end of the year, next year will be even more difficult. I had a grand plan to resolve all of this, but for now, I must take a step back. Though I step down unfairly amid rumors and smear campaigns, the fact remains that I caused controversy, and for that, I sincerely apologize to the socios and fans of Real Madrid. From now on, I will watch over the club's future from afar, though always close in heart. With full pride and dignity, I will step down as president of Real Madrid as of tomorrow. I wish for the continued prosperity of Real Madrid."
That day, two headlines dominated the media.
One was Pérez's resignation.
The other involved Ho-young.
["Pérez's Final Legacy: Ho-young Signs Record Youth Contract"]
["Ho-young Secures Youth Deal on Par With Top Professionals"]
["Strategic Move by Pérez to Cement His Legacy Through Ho-young"]
Last year, Real Madrid's youth salary cap was set at 20,000 euros, relatively low compared to other big clubs.
But with Pérez promising to reinforce the youth system, this season's wage budget had increased significantly, and Ho-young became one of the first to benefit.
His weekly wage doubled from 20,000 to 40,000 euros, setting a new maximum, while his release clause only rose by a factor of 1.4.
Shortly after the news broke, Ho-young received a call from Korea.
–Is it all true?
"Yes. Thanks to the club's support, it all went smoothly. And don't worry about President Pérez stepping down. It has nothing to do with me."
–Oh my... then...
"We'll see how it goes, but with bonuses and everything, I think I'll make around 5 to 6 billion won annually."
–Oh my goodness... thank you...
Kim Hee-sun was left speechless for a moment before changing the subject.
–Ho-young. What if I came to Madrid for a bit?
"Out of nowhere?"
–To study and support you and maybe...
"Mom."
Ho-young immediately cut her off, understanding what she meant.
Then he spoke honestly.
"I'm not at an age where I need support anymore. I'll be an adult the year after next. And if you're thinking of studying fashion, why not go to France or Italy instead of Spain? If you're thinking of doing this because of me, please don't. I'm doing just fine here with Grandpa and Grandma. If playing football becomes a burden on the family, then I'd rather quit. So please do what you want. I'll earn more than enough so you don't have to worry."
–When did you grow up like this...
Ho-young hadn't always been such a devoted son.
But what child would want to make their parents suffer twice?
Ever since turning back time and restarting football, he had slowly matured.
With a cheerful voice, he spoke into the phone.
"Mom, you need to study fashion fast so I can get more famous."
–What do you mean?
"Come on. You're studying fashion so you can launch a brand under my name, right?"
–Hohoho! Of course I am!
That night.
Mother and son spent a long time on the phone, brainstorming future brand names.
It had been a while since they shared such a warm moment.
In early June, the Real Madrid presidential election was held.
The winner, with over 80 percent of the vote, was Ramón Calderón.
Once Pérez's secretary general, Calderón had built up recognition by serving as an executive at Real Madrid.
In 2006, when Pérez had lost influence, Calderón's close allies led the Dutch connection within the club. Many of those board members still remained.
So Calderón had no reason to dismantle that network. It was, after all, his signature move.
The first thing Calderón did after taking office was to remove all of Pérez's key people.
He sacked Jorge Valdano, Miguel Ángel, and youth director Míchel, among others.
Externally, there were changes as well.
Cristiano Ronaldo's transfer proceeded as planned. However, unlike Pérez, a seasoned businessman, Calderón, a lawyer, lacked strong negotiation skills.
As a result, he failed to gain the upper hand in negotiations with Manchester United and ended up signing Ronaldo for a higher-than-expected fee.
The transfer fee was around 188 million euros.
Meanwhile, Kaka's transfer was put on hold.
With Ho-young already in the squad, Calderón saw no need to pay over 100 million euros for the declining Brazilian.
If an attacking midfielder was needed, they could look elsewhere.
The budget was still more than sufficient.
From that point on, Calderón began using the funds Pérez had gathered to build his own empire.
His second signing was Liverpool's Xabi Alonso, intended as Zidane's replacement.
He also expressed strong interest in strikers Karim Benzema from Lyon and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar from Ajax.
Lastly, he dismissed Bernd Schuster and appointed Luiz Scolari, the former manager of Brazil, Portugal, and Chelsea.
Thus, a season of upheaval was fast approaching.
It officially began on June 7, the day Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in Madrid.
(To be continued.)
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