‘Stay away then’ – Man city fans react to Real Madrid president’s comments on Erling Haaland release clause

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has insisted he doesn’t know anything about Erling Haaland’s Manchester City release clause.

Perez was speaking at Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony where his striker Karim Benzema took home the top prize. Kevin De Bruyne placed third while Haaland was 10th, Riyad Mahrez 12th, Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva joint 22nd and Joao Cancelo 25th.

Madrid would be the most obvious next destination for Haaland if he was to leave City but Perez has moved to downplay any suggestion that the La Liga champions are planning a move.

Recent reports in Spain have repeatedly mentioned the Norway international has a release clause in his contract at the Etihad. This figure claimed has varied between €180m and €200m, and it’s thought it will be applicable in 2024.

The Real Madrid president had a chat with Cadena Ser’s El Larguero after the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday, and he didn’t entertain claims of Los Blancos looking to sign Pep Guardiola’s star in 2024.

When asked about Haaland’s reported release clause, Pérez said: “I have no idea. We already have the best players. We have the best players in the world at Real Madrid.

“Mbappé rumours? Makes no sense to speak about it. We have Rodrygo and Vinicius, they are two top players.”

These Perez’s comments were shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Why would he know 😁. He did not see the contract himself.”
Credit: @gagahlin

“That’s not a bad answer considering some of the stuff most la liga officials higher ups usually come out with.”
Credit: @mcfceltics

“Great. Heard they already have robots in the training ground they shouldn’t need more on the pitch.”
Credit: @AlvarezYPOTY

“Incoming bids for Mbappe and Haaland after claiming to have the best players already”
Credit: @citehxen

“stay away then.”
Credit: @mcfc_tee

“Stay away from him”
Credit: @benjhazell