Real Madrid president Perez defends under-fire Hierro

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has defended veteran defender Fernando Hierro.

The Spanish international took the brunt of the blame after Saturday's humiliation against Real Mallorca.

But Perez said: "He is one of the best defenders in the world and has been injured for about a month."

"His behavior has been always exemplary in the three years that I have been here - just as the eleven years he was here previously."

"He is an institution and Real Madrid owes much to him."

"In fact, his contract is going to be renewed after these last games of the season."

"Jorge (Valdano) was speaking to him about a new two-year deal."