Former Barcelona board member demands Laporta’s explanation for Messi’s exit – ‘Tell us the real reason’ | OneFootball

Former Barcelona board member Xavier Vilajoana has openly criticised club president Joan Laporta, holding him directly responsible for Lionel Messi’s exit from the club in 2021. 

Vilajoana believes that Laporta must provide a clear and honest explanation to supporters about why the club allowed the greatest player in its history to leave.

Speaking recently, Vilajoana did not hold back when addressing the club’s management and direction under Laporta. 

He was quoted by Mundo Deportivo as saying, “If responsible management is not implemented, Barça has no future.”

He then added that the leadership’s approach has been disconnected from the club’s core principles, saying,

“In recent months, I have listened to the members. If the club belongs to the members, it makes no sense not to listen to them.”

The former director also accused the current administration of hiding the truth from fans, insisting, “They have been lying and hiding the figures for four years.”

Comments on Barcelona’s financial collapse

Vilajoana’s criticism did not stop there. He went on to challenge Laporta’s claims that his board had saved Barcelona from financial collapse, stating,

“They say they have saved the club, but if they hadn’t sold existing assets, they would have lost a billion euros, which is the current value of the first team.”

Laporta has been criticised by former Barcelona board member. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

He further emphasised the lack of transparency, repeating,

“They have been lying and hiding the figures for four years. Barça is a serious club and should set an example. 

“A president is given the responsibility to manage, not to take ownership of the club. The billion figure is terrifying.”

On Messi’s departure

The former board member then revisited the controversial departure of Lionel Messi, calling it a turning point for the club.

“Messi’s departure had an economic argument. It was said that the club could not afford the best in the world. 

“If the argument was economic, I don’t see it anywhere now. I will end with a question: let Laporta tell us the real reason why Messi was let go.”

Finally, Vilajoana urged that Messi’s name not be used for political or internal club disputes, remarking,

“We must leave Messi alone. The club is his home, regardless of the president. It would be a mistake to take advantage of a figure like him,” he commented.