Laporta speaks after stepping down as Barcelona president ahead of elections: ‘I leave with pride’ | OneFootball

Monday was a significant day in the offices of Barcelona as club president Joan Laporta officially stepped down from his position and resigned as stipulated by the club rules ahead of the upcoming election.

As a candidate who is again set to stand for the presidential post, Laporta officially marked the end of his current tenure ahead of the election scheduled on March 15, leaving responsibilities in the hands of Rafa Yuste.

Laporta is the clear favourite to return to power, but nothing is a given in sports, especially given how Victor Font is slowly but surely rising as an opponent.

Laporta’s departing words

Laporta spoke to the media after officially resigning from his position earlier today and explained how he was leaving with total pride over what his board had achieved in their recent tenure.

“I leave with pride and by statutory imperative. We leave with the pride that Barça is better than five years ago.”

“We have made difficult decisions, but we are proud of the ones we have made, some have been painful, but they have always been to protect the club,” he added.

Speaking on how his board ensured the Spotify Camp Nou renovations went through undisturbed through the club’s financial struggles, he said,

“Also to push forward the Spotify Camp Nou, it was not easy given the moment in which the club was, but the strength of the shield is enormous.”

“It is the most important heritage project in the history of the club, it is a reality and has allowed us to gain the credibility of investors, members, and the world of football,” he added.

Laporta stepped down as Barcelona president today. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Thanking his board and all members of his team for the work they have achieved in the recently ended stint, Laporta said,

“Thanks to them, a fundamental stability has been maintained to save the club. If we had not made some decisions, the club would have collapsed, and this has not been the case.”

“They have given us the confidence we needed, with understanding for the move to Montjuic, for the preparation of the templates,” he added.

Acknowledging the dressing room and players for their contributions, he said,

“I also want to thank the players, we have already won many titles, some resist us, but we leave them for the next few years if the members vote for us. Successes will come.”

The former president then spoke on why members must vote for him in the upcoming election, providing his brief manifesto.

“We want to continue because we want to complete the work done and, if possible, improve it. We know how to do it and that’s why we introduce ourselves.”

“We are the ones who know the most about what has been done in all areas: sports, economic, institutional and social. We come from a historic season, everything has been working well,” he added.

Finally, he bid adieu to the media, suggesting that they will meet soon again, likely with him back as the president.

“You are also the architects of this improvement. I can’t wait to see you again.”

“We will do everything possible within the electoral campaign, we will launch a message of continuity of our management so that Barça continues to be respected, admired and loved throughout the world,” he added.

Source: SPORT