Real Madrid: No one can refuse Bernabeu millions

REAL MADRID president Florentino Perez says he will continue his policy of signing a world class footballer each year and is already in talks with the leading player he expects to bring to the club next season.

“This year we will again be trying to sign the best player in the world,” Perez told a meeting of economic journalists yesterday. “He has already been in contact with us.”

Perez refused to reveal the name of the player, but in response to a question from one journalist, who suggested Real might look towards arch-rivals Barcelona for their new recruit, he replied with a smile: “Don’t worry it is not Ronaldinho”.

The 56-year-old construction magnate was elected as Real president in July 2000 largely on the basis of his promise to sign Luis Figo from Barcelona.

Despite denials from the player that he would be leaving the Catalan club, he made the switch to Real after Perez deposited his $56 million buy-out clause with the Spanish Football Federation.

Perez has since splashed out a further $150 million to bring Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham to Real in his quest to create one of the most exciting line-ups in the history of club football.

The Spanish media have reported that Perez is once again looking to recruit an attacking player to join the existing stars at the Bernabeu.

Michael Owen, Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy and Arsenal’s Thierry Henry have all been suggested as possible targets.

Despite the widespread criticism of Real’s imbalanced line-up and the team’s weaknesses in defence, Perez ruled out a move for a new defender when the transfer market reopens next month.

“I don’t think we will be doing anything in December,” he said. “It would be a sign of weakness and in any case all our exiting defenders are internationals.”

Real lead the Primera Liga on goal difference from Deportivo Coruna and have already secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Perez, who is president of one of Spain’s most powerful construction empires, also told journalists that he planned to stand for re-election as president in next year’s poll.

“My business partners are delighted that I am president of Real Madrid,” he said. “When the moment arrives I will know if I have time to do both jobs, but if I had to make the decision today I would definitely stand.”

Arsenal have insisted that San Siro hero Henry is not for sale at any price, and defender Sol Campbell, who gets a close-up look at the French man in training every day, concurs.

“He is some player. Exceptional is the word. He has the lot. Not only has he pace but he has the most incredible stamina.

“He just never stops running and not many players like him have his endurance.”

Campbell, not renowned for exaggerating, described Arsenal’s astonishing demolition of Internazionale in the San Siro as the most complete team performance he had been involved with.

“We showed everything - spirit, a desire to win, a refusal to be beaten and we did it under pressure,” he said. “It was a real team performance, probably the best all-round team performance in which I have been involved.”

Campbell also gave an intriguing insight into the post-match celebrations - or rather lack of them - on the flight back to Luton.

“It was very quiet,” he said. “Some of the boys slept, some read books, some listened to music, some watched DVDs. Why? Because we are not through yet and we know that. If we had won the final or something it might have been different but we have still to qualify. We need another performance.”

His team-mate Edu has backed Henry’s nomination for World Player of the Year.

The award-winner will be named at the FIFA World Player Gala in Basle on December 15, and the big money will be riding on Real Madrid duo, Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane.

But Edu said of Henry: “He has everything to be the best player in the world.

“He has power, he has pace, he has a good right foot, a good left foot and he can head the ball. His technique is brilliant. He has it all.”