 Pablo became embroiled in the 2006 Real Madrid presidential elections . José Antonio Camacho , the chosen coach of presidential candidate Juan Palacios , announced that the club would bring in José Antonio Reyes , Joaquín and Pablo to strengthen the team if he won the election , and that the deal for Pablo was already done . Palacios lost the election , so Pablo had to remain with Atlético . His agent spoke out in his defence , confirming that Pablo had not asked to leave Atlético , and the Palacios faction were taking advantage of a contractual clause allowing him to leave if an offer of € 15m were received ( the club claimed the figure was only a basis for negotiation ) . He also disingenuously suggested that joining the hated rival was no different from joining a big club abroad . Atlético coach Javier Aguirre made it clear they still wanted and needed " the best centre @-@ back in Spain " , and the player apologised to the fans , insisting he wanted to stay at Atlético and admitting he had made a mistake in accepting Real 's offer . 
