The president of Atlético de Madrid, Enrique Cerezo, spoke on El Partidazo de COPE and surprised with his words about Florentino Pérez. In an unusual gesture in Spanish soccer, the top rojiblanco leader did not hesitate to praise the president of Real Madrid.
Cerezo Pays Tribute to Florentino Pérez
During the interview with Juanma Castaño, Enrique Cerezo was blunt when talking about his counterpart at Real Madrid. "He is a great president, the best Real Madrid has had in its history, he is a man who fights for his work, club, and players. It is what all the presidents of this country must do."
These words did not go unnoticed. Despite the historic rivalry between Atlético de Madrid and Real Madrid, Cerezo acknowledged Florentino Pérez's impact on the history of the white club.
The 4-4 Against Barcelona and the Conversation with Laporta
Besides his statements about Florentino, Enrique Cerezo also reviewed the recent great match between Atlético de Madrid and Barcelona in Montjuïc. "I experienced the match in Barcelona very well, it was very cold, but it heated up very quickly. A match from the old days, from the 90s, with Atlético and Barcelona with great players and many goals."
The rojiblanco president also revealed a curious conversation with Joan Laporta, president of Barcelona, before the match. "He was worried because we always score in the last minute, and I told him: 'Well, we came for that...' And it happened."
Challenging Draws and Atlético de Madrid's Challenges
Atlético de Madrid has not been lucky in the draws this season, and Cerezo made it clear. "We've hit the jackpot in all competitions, in Copa and in Champions."
The colchonero team faces a crucial double date in the coming days. On Saturday against Athletic Club and on Tuesday against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Regarding these challenges, Cerezo assured that the season remains open for his team. "These two weeks are crucial because the League and the Champions are at stake, everything is 50-50%, we hope to continue in the three competitions."
Griezmann, Julián Álvarez, and Real Madrid
One of the major concerns for Atlético de Madrid is the future of Antoine Griezmann, but Cerezo did not dare to make predictions. "I don't know. He is the standard-bearer of Atlético, I don't know what he thinks, but I doubt he wants to leave. I haven't talked to him about that."
He also spoke about Julián Álvarez, a player he considers an ideal signing for any big team. "Julián Álvarez is super good, he spends the 90 minutes running... Madrid would want him. He is a fan idol."