Enrique Riquelme (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme caused uproar after controversial comments about Barcelona and Florentino Perez.
El Clasico rivalry has moved from the pitch to politics.
Enrique Riquelme, one of the candidates hoping to become the next Real Madrid president, created major controversy in Spain after launching a strong attack on Barcelona during a media appearance.
Speaking on the popular podcast The Wild Project, Riquelme left little room for diplomacy when discussing Madrid's biggest rivals.
"I would like to see Barcelona in the Segunda. That would make me happy."
The comments immediately spread across Spanish media and social platforms.
But Riquelme pushed even further when asked whether he would care if Barcelona disappeared completely from football.
"I wouldn't have any problems with that. I want Real Madrid to win. But what happens to the others..."
The comments sparked strong reactions from supporters across Spain.
Riquelme is currently promoting his campaign as he attempts to challenge long-time president Florentino Perez.
His strategy appears aggressive.
He also criticized Perez directly and blamed him for helping Barcelona recover during difficult financial years.
"Barcelona was dead, but our president, Florentino Perez, helped them during their financial difficulties because he dreamed of a Super League."
"In the end, Laporta betrayed him."
The businessman believes Madrid's leadership made strategic mistakes while Barcelona rebuilt.
Key talking points from Riquelme's interview:
• Wants Barcelona relegated
• Claims he would not mind if Barcelona disappeared
• Criticized Florentino Perez's Super League strategy
• Accused Madrid leadership of helping rivals recover financially
The timing is important.
Relations between Spain's two biggest clubs have already become increasingly tense because of transfer battles, political disagreements and repeated public disputes.
Now, the presidential race at Real Madrid has added another layer to the rivalry.
Whether supporters see Riquelme's words as passion or unnecessary provocation, one thing is clear.
His campaign suddenly has everyone's attention.