Laporta’s heartfelt farewell message to Barcelona squad and staff: ‘You are the true architects of what’s happening’ | OneFootball

As reported earlier, Joan Laporta visited the Barcelona locker room today to say goodbye to the squad and coaching staff after resigning from his position as club president in order to stand again in the elections.

The 63-year-old now-former president officially stepped down from his position on Monday, with Rafa Yuste taking over as interim president until June 30.

Laporta’s emotional farewell

During his visit to the Ciutat Esportiva, Laporta offered a clear explanation to the team about the electoral process.

He explained that Barcelona elects a president every five years and, as that term has now been completed, he must resign in order to be eligible for re-election.

“These are the club’s statutes because we are governed by democratic rules,” he asserted. 

“Rafa Yuste will remain as president, along with six other board members. I want you to take care of him, and he will act appropriately as president,” Laporta added.

The former president said that he is running “with the will to win, and if everything goes well, I hope to win on March 15th. Then I will return, and Rafa [Yuste] and I will govern until July 1st because that is what the statutes say.”

Continuing, Laporta said: “I’ll miss you all during these 45 days because the best thing for me as president has been being with you, with Flick, and with the staff.” 

Laporta praised the Barcelona players in his speech. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

The former president then paid tribute to the squad and the coaching staff, saying: “You are the true architects of what’s happening at Barça today. We’re at a historic moment, and you’re making the fans happy.

“As president, I want to thank you because I’ve had the privilege of being president for these past five years, and it’s gone well thanks to you. Last year was historic, and this year is proving to be very good.

“I want to come back on March 15th to be with you again. I’m really excited to finish the stadium for you, which you deserve, and to keep winning titles.” 

Laporta ended his speech with “Thank you very much, and Visca el Barça”, after which he received a long round of applause and had to contain his emotion.

Yuste’s message to the squad

For his part, Rafa Yuste, the new interim president of the club until 1 July, also addressed the dressing room, wherein he praised Laporta.

“I’ve known the president since I was six years old; I’m one of the people who know him best. He has taught me to be a better person and to be a member of FC Barcelona.”

Sending a message to the squad, Yuste added: “During this short time I’ll be here, we will continue doing what the president and the rest of the board have been doing. Our hearts are with you.”

Source: Mundo Deportivo