Real Madrid aim to have the “best stadium in the world” according to club president Florentino Perez, after he revealed the identity of the companies chosen to revamp the stadium.
At a press conference on Friday, the Real chief revealed German architect firm GMP will lead the resign of the iconic stadium, along with L-35 and Ribas and RIbas. The stadium expansion, which reports say will start at the end of the current campaign, will cost 400 million euros.
Designs for the stadium were revealed at the announcement, and the work includes a new exterior being build, along with a retractable roof being added. It is thought the stadium would be completed in three years.
Funding for the project would come via two main sources – selling the stadium naming rights, with Coca Cola and Microsoft already reported to be interested parties. Such a move would almost certainly ensure Real Madrid would top the football money league for the foreseeable future. The club would also issue a new share order, it is believed.
Speaking at the presentation, Perez said it was time to improve the Santiago Bernabeu to ensure it is the best stadium in world football.
“It’s time to face another challenge has come, we want to make the Santiago Bernabeu is the best stadium in the world. Our commitment is to continue increasing the heritage of our club, thus gain in economic strength, so we can continue to lead in an environment of increasing competition. We believe in a project that will enhance our image, brand and city that we also feel proud of,” he said.
GMP owner, Volkwin Marg, expressed his delight at having won the tender process, and promised the company would do a great job.
“(We aim to) transform the Bernabeu into the most advanced and developed stadium of the 21st century. This building is undoubtedly the most important project of our careers,” he stated.
