The new president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta has reaffirmed his intention to ensure that the Spanish giants hold on to the club’s talisman Lionel Messi.
Before Joan Laporta was elected the president of FC Barcelona early in March, the aspirates for the presidential seat campaigned using the situation of Messi at the club as a political topic.
Messi became what all the aspirates used in their campaign because the record 6 time Ballon d’Or winner wanted to leave the club last summer but failed to leave due to the €700 million attached to his release clause.
More so, the Argentine football icon has less than four months to the end of his contract with the club. Due to the political instability at the club, talks related to his contract extension were put on hold. But now that the club has gotten a new president, his contract talks might soon be the focal point once again.
Fortunately for those who want to see Messi who has been at the club since childhood, Joan Laporta won the FC Barcelona presidential election. He was more particular about ensuring that Messi remains at Barcelona throughout his campaign process.
Recall that Joan Laporta was the president of FC Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, an era Barcelona enjoyed the most of success on and off the field. It was also the era Messi established himself in the club’s senior team.
“Whatever he does will be OK but we will try to make him stay because he is the best player in the history of football”, Laporta said.
“And my apologies Leo, for saying this right here and right now, but you know of my love for you, Barca loves you a lot and if this stadium would be full when you play the next game I am sure you wouldn’t be able to leave.”
While noting that his leadership would support the work of the current coach of the club, Ronald Koeman, who has been struggling to return the club to the peak the club was known for, he said his administration would prioritize the economic situation of the club.
FC Barcelona are currently struggling to overtake Atletico Madrid in the Spanish La Liga table this season and they are out of the UEFA Champions League campaign in the round of 16, thanks to Paris Saint Germain.
Aside from planning to return FC Barcelona to the era of being a winning team, Joan Laporta has vowed that his administration would generate new sources of income.
“The economic situation of the club is indeed the source of pre-occupation for all Barca associates and us as well and that is our priority,” Laporta noted.
“To turn Barca economically viable again, that is why we have a shock plan we will implement. We know how to do it, it will mean making an effort and working a lot.
“Now that we have the power to make decisions we will try to generate new sources of income. We will try to make the right decisions to reverse the current situation.”
🎙 The best of Barça president @JoanLaportaFCB's inauguration speech pic.twitter.com/M2zUNXqYQ3
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) March 18, 2021
