Tribal Football
·9 August 2021
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·9 August 2021
Jaume Llopis has quit his role with Barcelona after Lionel Messi's departure.
Llopis had been a member of the Espai Barça Commission and was a senior advisor to president Joan Laporta. He was part of Laporta's election team leading up to the Barca presidential elections earlier this year.
Llopis is a professor of business at the Navarra university and chose to step down over the weekend in reaction to Messi's departure. He tendered his resignation in the aftermath of Messi's emotional farewell media conference held at the Nou Camp on Sunday.
Llopis' resignation letter was published by Mundo Deportivo on Monday morning, where he addressed Laporta directly. The former Barca chief was scathing in his criticism of the president's handling of Messi's contract situation. He also accused Laporta of handing Real Madrid president Florentino Perez a huge advantage for the coming season.
Llopis wrote:
"Dear Jan,
"You have disappointed me, I thought you were the only one capable of facing Florentino. I lack information but surely much more could be done for Messi to stay. Those that are left over are many.
"Messi was an important patrimony of FC Barcelona.
"We will see when the Super League arrives, if it arrives, and in the meantime, reinforcing PSG and making it easier for Mbappé to go to Madrid. Florentino's perfect plan. You will go down in history as the president who fired Messi.
"Thank you for the confidence in joining the Espai Barça Commission, and, although there is no official appointment or responsibility, I think I have contributed positive things, but I feel obliged to resign because I want to be free to express my opinions.
"I wish you luck".
- updated August 10