Florentino Perez: The malevolent mastermind.

2009-2015

Cristiano unveiled at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

In 2009 Florentino once again ran for the presidential elections and won. Perez continued with his Galáctico policy and set the transfer market on fire with the world record fee signing of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 for £80 million from Manchester United. He even went on to sign Kaká from Milan, Benzema from Lyon, Xabi Alonso, Arbeloa & Albiol but made the mistake of forcing Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder out of the club to balance his books. Perez sacked Manuel Pellegrini in 2010 after a trophyless season and replaced him with José Mourinho. Mourinho's tenure was successful domestically but Madrid's eagerness for their tenth UCL, La Décima was increasing and the growing tension in the dressing room saw Mourinho depart and Carlo Ancelotti's arrival. There was a major shakeup in the team with the arrivals of Gareth Bale, Isco and Illaramendi and exit of Higuain and Özil. The following season proved to be a resounding success, as Real Madrid won the Copa del Rey and its tenth Champions League title but Ancelotti's stay was short lived as he faced the sack after going trophyless in the season 2014/15 that followed.

That season also saw club legend Iker Casillas leave the club in a tragic way after seeing a drastic dip in form and fighting for a berth in the starting XI. Iker Casillas was forced to leave by Perez to create a vacancy for David De Gea, who ultimately ended up staying at Manchester United. He was even accused by Perez of being the mole in the team, revealing secrets to his girlfriend Sara Carbonero in a bid to win back his starting place. Casillas's departure spurred a huge controversy and enraged the Madrid fans.