Joan Laporta: “We will come back in style” | OneFootball

Joan Laporta cast his vote in the club’s presidential election. His arrival at the polling station was met with loud chants of “President, President” as supporters gathered around him and applauded while he made his way inside.

Laporta was accompanied by several club officials and members of his team as he placed his ballot. 

After voting, Laporta spoke to the media and shared his feelings about the election process and the response he has received from Barcelona members throughout the day.

“A lot of emotion and a lot of gratitude. I see a lot of affection, a desire to participate. As president, it has moved me deeply,” he acknowledged, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Speaking of Barcelona’s future

Laporta also became emotional while talking about the club’s future and the ongoing transformation of the stadium.

“They’re talking about the present and the future, about this Spotify Camp Nou that I see here with the cranes, and I get emotional.”

Laporta also revealed that several figures connected to the first team were planning to vote later in the day. “The players have committed to coming out to vote, as has Flick.”

He added that other figures connected to the club had also made an effort to attend.

“Deco, Bojan, and Valero Rivera have also come from Qatar.”

Support from Lamine Yamal

Laporta also reacted to the public support shown by Lamine Yamal, who had posted a photo with him on social media earlier in the day.

Laporta is optimistic about his chances. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

“I love Lamine; it came from the heart. I was the first to be surprised when I saw the Instagram post. He’s a genius as a person; I love him dearly.”

The president also expressed his happiness at seeing other Barcelona figures present at the vote.

“I was also thrilled that Aitana came to vote, and Busquets, who came with his son.”

On Victor Font

Finally, Laporta responded to criticism from presidential candidate Victor Font regarding the organisation of the election.

“Today, the club is very well organised. Organising a vote like today’s is entirely to the credit of the staff, given everything that an election entails. 

“I am proud to have served as president of a group of people who feel a very strong sense of belonging to the club. 

“What I will not tolerate is opportunistic criticism of the staff. They are the ones who keep the club running.”

Laporta concluded by addressing the criticism directed toward members of his team and defending those who have supported him during his presidency.

“We’ll come back in style,” he said, adding that “what has hurt me the most is that they’ve attacked those who’ve stood by me, like Deco, Alejandro, and even Bojan has been targeted. 

“It was an unnecessary attack, intended to destabilise us, but they’re strong and they’re doing well,” he concluded.