Ex-Real president Perez rescued Oliveira deal for Milan

Former Real Madrid president Florentino Perez played a key role in AC Milan's capture of Real Betis striker Ricardo Oliveira last month.
 
Perez hasn't been involved in football since leaving the Madrid presidency last season, but came to the aid of Milan to smooth negotiations with Betis over the Brazilian's sale.

Betis supremo Manuel Ruiz de Lopera had concerns working with Milan powerbrokers Adriano Galliani and Ariedo Braida, having never come across them before. But a call from Perez was enough for Lopera to return to the negotiating table.

"How can you allow yourself to doubt Milan?" said Perez. "With Galliani and Braida a hand-shake is enough. You don't need to worry about contracts."

Perez's relationship with Milan is in stark contrast to the current Real Madrid regime, which has infuriated the Italian giants over their public pursuit of Kaka.