Real Madrid are the symbol of Spain, says president Florentino Perez

Madrid's combined total of 10 European Cup and Champions League trophies make the Spanish giants the most successful side in European football.

Perez, who has spent 12 years as the club's president, was speaking at a dinner hosted at the Santiago Bernabeu and reminded fans everywhere that Real remain at the pinnacle of football.

"Real Madrid is a symbol of our nation and one of the most loved," he said.

"For many people, the image of Spain is of Real Madrid. This means an enormous responsibility for everyone and we have the obligation to protect it, be exemplary and transparent, and to keep alive the myth and the legend of Real Madrid."

He added: "We are a club with 113 years of life and with the best record in the history of football. Real Madrid is considered the most prestigious and most valuable in the world.

"We are aware that we have to be respectful of our fans, with our members and the media, that have always accompanied us in this responsibility."