TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - BBC reported on Sunday, February 2, that Real Madrid has announced their plan to renovate Santiago Bernabeu Stadium. With the budget of €400 million, Los Blancos seems serious about making Bernabeu the best stadium in the world.

"We want to make the Santiago Bernabeu the best stadium in the world," said Real Madrid President Florentino Perez as quoted by BBC. "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.

The design for new stadium will drastically change the exterior look of the Spain pride. In addition to extend the capacity, the stadium is reportedly to adopt openable roofing. There will be restaurant, hotel and shopping centers right beside the Paseo de la Castellana, one of the busiest roads in Spain.

As for the fund, Real Madrid stated that they will sell the naming right of the stadium name to investors. Microsoft Inc. has been repeatedly mentioned in previous rumors to be one of the strongest candidates to be the next patent holder. However, Coca Cola is said to be ready to best Bill Gates’ company in the bid.

The sale of the stadium name is expected to cover half of the total cost needed for the renovation. Real Madrid is also planning to issue obligation to the club’s members to cover the rest of the cost. That way, the club should be able to avoid adding their debt that is currently recorded as much as €500 million.

BBC | MARCA | GUARDIAN | DIMAS SIREGAR