Real Madrid president Florenzi Perez has paid tribute to his counterpart Silvio Berlusconi, who died yesterday at the age of 86.
Pérez spoke on the podium at the presentation ceremony for Brahim Díaz, who has just returned to Real Madrid after three years on loan at Milan. He did not pass up the opportunity to dedicate some emotional words to Berlusconi, who he got to know well given the overlap in their tenures.
“They are going to allow me to share a memory for Silvio Berlusconi. A president who had an excellent relationship with Real Madrid. Who marked an era in world football and will always be in our memory,” he said.
As per Marca, Perez also dedicated beautiful words to Milan, of which he highlighted the ‘seven European Cups’ making them second on the list after Real Madrid itself.
Florentino defined the Rossoneri as ‘one of the most legendary clubs’ and recalled their Scudetto win of 2021-22 which came after several years of drought, as well as their presence in the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.
Perez then spoke about the return of Brahim Diaz, who has renewed his contract and will become part of the first team plans for Los Blancos after his time at Milan.
“He’s here with us, making this squad even stronger, one of those great players who possesses the talent and quality of those who are destined to triumph in our shirt,” he said.
“You’ve demonstrated the strength and courage to want to prove from afar that your football, your hard work and your ambition to improve every day would bring you back to Real Madrid. And now, at just 23 years of age, you return, but with the experience and fortitude of having performed as one of the best in such a difficult league as is Italian football.
“Today you begin a new chapter in your career full of hope and emotions. Our fans will always stand by you along this journey. They will give you everything they can because we know how hard you have worked to get back in this jersey.
“You’ve learned to live with the enormous pressure at Real Madrid. However, you’re also aware that our values will always guide you through the most difficult moments. You belong to a club where the phrase ‘give up’ doesn’t exist.
“Everything is possible with hard work, respect, humility, teamwork and solidarity. That’s how we are renowned around the world and that’s why we have won 14 European Cups.
“Nobody should have any doubt that we are going to continue to build a team hungry for more success and new victories. We have players who, even though they have won everything, they know what Real Madrid means.
“They have learned here that every trophy is the first step towards winning the next one. Real Madrid is relentless, even in the fight for the impossible, and that is why the club is the most loved and admired in the world.”
