Defiant Real Madrid president refuses to resign after ugly end to season

TL;DR

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez announced he will not resign despite a disappointing season without trophies. He has initiated a board election while defending his position amidst speculation of his departure.

Key points

Florentino Perez will not resign as Real Madrid president
A board election process has been initiated
Real Madrid finished the season without any trophies
Barcelona won the league title against Real Madrid
Perez addressed media speculation about his future

Mentioned in this story

Real MadridBarcelonaFlorentino Perez

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez said on Tuesday he will not step down and has called a board election after a turbulent season that see the storied La Liga club go without silverware.

The 79-year-old, long-serving Real boss had unexpectedly called a press conference, prompting media speculation that Jose Mourinho could be close to a return as coach or that Perez himself might step aside.

"I am not going to resign," Perez said however. "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, because I've heard rumours that I'm going to resign," he added, saying the process had begun for a board election with current members standing.

"I invite anyone who wishes to do so. I will be standing to defend the interests of Real Madrid's members."

His media appearance came two days after arch-rivals Barcelona sealed the league title with three games to spare thanks to a 2-0 victory over Real at Camp Nou, capping the Madrid side's miserable season on and off the pitch.

Perez appeared animated and argued with journalists.

In a season of managerial instability, Xabi Alonso was dismissed after seven months in charge while his successor Alvaro Arbeloa was unable to halt the slide.

Real's struggles extended to Europe where they exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage after defeat by Bayern Munich. Off-field tensions compounded Real's difficulties, with captain Federico Valverde hospitalized after an altercation this month with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni.