Florentino Perez defends star sales

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has defended the club's decision to sell Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.
Following Perez's return to the presidency in 2009, Madrid made heavy investment in the side by bringing in the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo, meaning Robben and Sneijder were deemed surplus to requirements.

The duo went on to enjoy substantially more success than their replacements, with their new clubs, Bayern Munich and Inter, reaching the Champions League final. They both then played a starring role as Netherlands reached the World Cup final.

However, given that in their final season with Madrid the team were beaten 4-0 at Liverpool and 6-2 at home to Barcelona, Perez feels his decision may have been justifiable.

"It's true two great players left the club in Robben and Sneijder but Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo arrived in their place," Perez said. "I don't know if they are better or worse, but with the two Dutch players we conceded four against Liverpool and six against Barcelona."