Barcelona presidential candidate Marc Ciria: ‘We need Messi, he’s fundamental to the club’s present and future’ | OneFootball

Earlier today, Marc Ciria, one of the pre-candidates for the upcoming FC Barcelona presidential elections, unveiled a giant banner featuring club legend Lionel Messi.

The banner depicted the iconic image of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner holding up his Barça shirt to the crowd at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The banner also included a QR code allowing supporters to send video messages of affection and support to the former captain.

The aim was for Messi to receive first-hand the affection of the people of Barcelona, reminding him that he is not forgotten and that he is still awaited with open arms.

Marc Ciria explains banner

Following the reaction generated by the banner featuring Messi, Ciria presented the electoral headquarters of ‘Moviment 42’ in Barcelona.

Just metres from the Spotify Camp Nou, in a room named the “Messi Room”, Ciria described the banner initiative as a tribute to the Argentine legend.

“We do things right. That’s what I’ll tell you. This is a tribute. The tribute he didn’t receive when he was expelled from the club, and which he deserves. We hope to live up to it,” said Ciria.

“We hope that all the videos being sent by members and fans from around the world will make him see that there isn’t just one voice. Every time we meet with members, they tell us that we have to give it our all to bring Leo Messi back.”

Continuing, he added: “Since 2021, we’ve been saying that one of the biggest strategic errors in the club’s history was expelling Leo Messi. And we’ve been saying since 2021 the need for Leo Messi to return.

“We need him. He’s fundamental to Barça’s present and future.”

“This tribute comes from passion, emotion, and the certainty that we are the right people. The majority of members want to recapture the excitement of having the best player in history back home, where he should never have left,” Ciria further stated.

However, Ciria also stressed that Messi would only return as a player if the sporting department approved it.

“Marc Ciria can’t and shouldn’t decide to sign or release players; that’s the responsibility of a professional sporting director,” he noted.

Taking a dig at Joan Laporta, who recently stepped down as president to contest in the elections, Ciria added:

“One of them puts his face on it, and we put up the best player in the history of football.”

As for the former president’s comments about inexperienced candidates potentially ruining the club, Ciria stated:

“When he talks about inexperienced people who could ruin the club… Ruin? We’re already ruined, we’re already ruined! 850 million sold, losses of 230 million, no fair play compliance, and refinancing debt.”

“In 2003, people also came in without experience. If we put it on the table who has more experience to turn the club around, we win hands down,” he asserted.

Source: SPORT