Madrid ready for centenary

Real Madrid CF celebrate their centenary in 2002 and have set their sights on a prosperous future after overcoming economic problems.

Gala match
Club president Florentino Pérez said the UEFA Champions League hopefuls have experienced a significant upturn in their fortunes ahead of a series of commemorative events for their anniversary. These festivities will culiminate in a gala match against a FIFA world selection in December.

'Definitive solution'
"The truth is that 2001 has been very important for Real Madrid because we have found a definitive solution to the serious economic problems that have plagued the club," Pérez told sports daily Marca. "We have now established the foundations for Real Madrid in the 21st century."

Debt eliminated
The €280m debt which the club had when Pérez took over as president in July 2000 was wiped out in 2001 following his negotiation of the sale of Real's city-centre training ground for an estimated €440m. "The work has only just started," Pérez added. "But within three years Real Madrid will once again be a source of pride for its fans and the envy of other clubs."

Crucial to future
The Madrid president said the club would continue to buy a top player each year, to add to the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo but insisted that young players in the youth set-up would also not be ignored. These were crucial to the future of the club both on and off the pitch.