“Bernabéu is our reference point and we want to follow his path. FIFA named us the best club of the 20th century in 2000 and now we are working hard to get the same recognition in the 21st,” Pérez told Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday.

Real are the overwhelming favourites to reach the last four as they will take a 3-0 lead into the second leg of their quarterfinal against Juventus in Madrid on Wednesday.

Their European campaign has been in total contrast to their disappointing La Liga form as they currently languish in fourth place in the standings, 15 points behind runaway leaders Barcelona.

Pérez became Real president in 2000, winning his first Champions League gong, the club’s ninth, in 2002. He resumed the role in 2009 and since then has won the trophy three more times, beating Atlético Madrid in 2014 and 2016 and Juventus last year.

Real won the first five editions of the European Cup under Bernabéu between 1956 and 1960, lifting the trophy again in 1966.

The club’s stadium is named after Bernabéu, who oversaw its construction.