Enrique Riquelme has expanded on his promise to bring Erling Haaland to Real Madrid if he wins the club's presidential election, insisting he is fully confident the Norwegian striker would join the club under his leadership.

Speaking in an interview with RTVE, the candidate explained his position regarding both Haaland and Rodri, two of the headline names in his sporting project.

"If I am president of Real Madrid this coming Sunday, Haaland will play for Real Madrid, and he will play for Madrid because, basically, and I have all due respect to City, it may have been misinterpreted, Haaland has a contract with City just like Rodri, although they are different situations. Rodri has one year left on his contract, Haaland has much more. He has a clause, and I am going to do everything possible, and I say with absolute certainty that if I am president of Real Madrid, Haaland will play for Real Madrid."

Riquelme also provided details about the contacts he claims to have had during the process.

"There have been talks with their respective entourages. In Rodri's case, with Pablo, his agent, and in Haaland's case, with his inner circle and with him personally. I don't know the manager personally, but people in my circle do. There's a clause in his contract, and if I become president, I will do everything possible to ensure Haaland plays for Real Madrid."

The businessman from Alicante described Manchester City's response to the reports as understandable given the circumstances.

"It's normal, it's an election, there are two candidates, no one is guaranteed to win, and they have to protect the player. It seems normal to me. Well, remember when Figo was involved, when Figo himself said in all the media outlets that he wasn't coming. I understand this, I don't take it personally, it's part of the world of sports, the world of football, and I see it as fine. I want to make it clear that I have the utmost respect for City, and I will have to sit down with City to discuss it. If I am president of Real Madrid, I will make sure that these types of players play for Real Madrid. I ask for that trust from the members, but if they don't, I have provided a personal, notarized guarantee that if these players don't come, I will pay the membership fees of all the members."

Riquelme concluded by reiterating his confidence in the operation while expressing respect for Manchester City.

"I don't want to disrespect City or anything," Riquelme added; "we'll talk starting Monday, we'll sit down to talk with them, but that's all I can say. With clauses and private contracts between them and me, what I can tell you is that he'll play for Real Madrid."

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