during an interview Catalonia La 2 (h/t MARCA) FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke about the upcoming elections and discussed his first term in office as well as a variety of other topics related to the club.
Laporta first became president of Barcelona in 2003 and served for seven years until 2010, coinciding with the beginning of the most successful period in the club’s history.
advertise
The 63-year-old returned as club president in 2021, and despite the ups and downs, he has done a solid job leading the team. Blaugrana Stability on and off the field.
As he prepares for the next presidential election in 2026, Laporta recalls his first experience as president.
Recalling his first major signing, Laporta said: “The first big signing I made as president was Ronaldinho’s. We are all very excited. They are all important, but this one is even more important because he is a player who breathes new life into Barcelona.”
One of the biggest disappointments of Laporta’s current tenure has been the exit of club legend Lionel Messi and the breakdown of the relationship between the president and the superstar.
advertise
Speaking about the situation, Laporta admitted he was saddened by the whole incident but hoped for a reconciliation and a tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Messi decided to come to the Camp Nou with Pepe Costa, and when the gatekeepers saw it was Leo, they let him in. His departure? The club is more important than everything. I spoke to him on his birthday, but it didn’t have bigger consequences,” he said.
“As for reconciliation? That’s a question that makes me sad. It depends on the other side. I want to acknowledge him because the Messi era is the most glorious era in our history. He gave a lot to Barcelona, ​​but Barcelona also gave a lot to him.”
Laporta and Messi have fallen out. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
advertise
Laporta also spoke about Barcelona’s future, with Lamine Yamal saying:
“Lamine is the present and the future. But so are Pedri and Kubalsi. We are building a great project for Barcelona. We can have confidence in these players.”
Regarding the club’s presidency, he confirmed that the upcoming election would be his last.
“I don’t think I’ll run for president again. But we think we can turn this around. This will be my last run.” Laporta said.
Multiple opposition groups have called for Laporta to resign during his term, but the president has made it clear that such an idea has not crossed his mind.
advertise
“Not now. Earlier, when my children needed security because of threats, I thought about quitting my job. We spoke to the family but they didn’t think it was a big deal and saw my desire to continue,” he pointed out.
Speaking about the pressure that comes with his position, Laporta said: “They said a lot of bad things about me. The lies were repeated so many times that they seemed like the truth. People said a lot of stupid things about me.”
The Barcelona president has not shied away from taking shots at Real Madrid and their recent attacks on the club over the Negreira case.
“In Madrid you can feel the power; in Barcelona you can feel the freedom. The relationship with Florentino is great. They want to delay the Negrrera case like chewing gum. Now they have chronic Barcelonaitis. They talk about Negrera all day long.” he said.
advertise
“We have explained this well and given evidence of the report in court and no one else has given evidence that we bribed the referee because it did not happen.”
Laporta also spoke about the club’s relationship with La Liga president Javier Tebas, admitting they have moved on from past differences while also defending him after he was targeted by Real Madrid.
“Tebas is a man of integrity. If he does what he says, he keeps his word. We can argue, but if we make an agreement, he will stick to it. That gives me peace of mind.” Laporta said.
“Florentino’s remarks against him were inappropriate. He had an ulterior motive because he wanted to install a president loyal to him in La Liga.
“He has been trying to get Tebas out for a long time. This desire to expel them, combined with the social power that Real Madrid have, makes me suspicious.”
