Not even Real Madrid can resist the sheikhs' petrodollars. The club of the European champions yesterday signed a long-term partnership with International Petroleum Investment Co, an investment fund in Abu Dhabi, to finance the renovation of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium. The project is worth 400 million euros and provides for the construction of an artificial roof and a new ring by 2017.
"It is the beginning of a long-term relationship and a strong alliance that will allow us to face one of the greatest challenges: making the Santiago Bernabeu the best stadium in the world," said Real Madrid president Florentino Perez , in a press conference which was also attended by the great stars of Real: Iker Casillas, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo, Pepe and Gareth Bale.
Khadem Al Qubaisi, director general of the Ipic, confirmed the validity of the agreement, not only for the objective of renovating the stadium, but also for exporting the Real brand and football heritage all over the planet.
Even the main sponsor of the other great Spanish team, Barcelona, is originally from Qatar, while Paris Saint Germain and Manchester City, champions of France and England respectively, have the wealthy emirs as reference shareholders.
