Ramón Calderón has announced his resignation as president of Real Madrid at a press conference in the Spanish capital on Friday evening.
The 57-year-old lawyer took charge of Los Merengues in July 2006 and oversaw back-to-back titles at the Spanish giants, but had been under pressure to step down since Marca newspaper published allegations earlier this week of irregularities at the club's general assembly in December.
It is claimed that Calderón stacked a general assembly with fake delegates last month, in order to get the club's vote of confidence.
Calderón was moved to tears while reading the six-minute statement, and denied the accusations.
He told a packed news conference: "Against the opinion of all of the members of the board I've decided to step down from the presidency of the club.
"I deliver up my head, which has been persecuted so much since my arrival, because I hope it will help pacify a social mob who are permanently upset and in fits by news that the press spreads, which is exaggerated with complete disregard to moral codes.
"I walk away with clean hands and a clear conscience, and less money and health than when I started my mandate.
"I have nothing to hide and firmly deny all the lies that have been published by various media sources in the past few days.
"I never participated in anything illegal or committed any wrongdoing.
"The success of those who looked for my destruction is also the triumph of injustice and wickedness.
"I may have committed mistakes but never irregularities.
"I go with my head held high and a very calm conscience.
"I am extremely proud to have served the best club in the world.
"I can say that my time here has been a success in which we have seen many triumphs.
"I feel for this club and want what's good for it with all my heart and I have a lot of pride in the players, staff and those in the junior ranks.
"I thank them all for their support and hope everyone continues to show respect towards them. They can win all the competitions they're fighting for.
"I will always support anyone who succeeds me at the club and never react against them or oppose them."
Vice-president Vicente Boluda will take charge until a new presidential election can be held in the close season.
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The 57-year-old lawyer took charge of Los Merengues in July 2006 and oversaw back-to-back titles at the Spanish giants, but had been under pressure to step down since Marca newspaper published allegations earlier this week of irregularities at the club's general assembly in December.
It is claimed that Calderón stacked a general assembly with fake delegates last month, in order to get the club's vote of confidence.
Calderón was moved to tears while reading the six-minute statement, and denied the accusations.
He told a packed news conference: "Against the opinion of all of the members of the board I've decided to step down from the presidency of the club.
"I deliver up my head, which has been persecuted so much since my arrival, because I hope it will help pacify a social mob who are permanently upset and in fits by news that the press spreads, which is exaggerated with complete disregard to moral codes.
"I walk away with clean hands and a clear conscience, and less money and health than when I started my mandate.
"I have nothing to hide and firmly deny all the lies that have been published by various media sources in the past few days.
"I never participated in anything illegal or committed any wrongdoing.
"The success of those who looked for my destruction is also the triumph of injustice and wickedness.
"I may have committed mistakes but never irregularities.
"I go with my head held high and a very calm conscience.
"I am extremely proud to have served the best club in the world.
"I can say that my time here has been a success in which we have seen many triumphs.
"I feel for this club and want what's good for it with all my heart and I have a lot of pride in the players, staff and those in the junior ranks.
"I thank them all for their support and hope everyone continues to show respect towards them. They can win all the competitions they're fighting for.
"I will always support anyone who succeeds me at the club and never react against them or oppose them."
Vice-president Vicente Boluda will take charge until a new presidential election can be held in the close season.
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