Barca presidential candidate Laporta vows to unite the club
ByReuters
Published 30/11/2020 at 16:05 GMT
Joan Laporta has launched his bid to return to Barcelona, after announcing he's running to be the club's president once again, having previously led the club between 2003-2010. The former politician has vowed to unite a disgruntled fanbase and believes he can convince Lionel Messi to stay at the club when his contract expires next summer.
Joan Laporta
Image credit: Getty Images
Joan Laporta, who was president of Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, has announced his bid to return to the role - which is vacant following the departure of Josep Maria Bartomeu.
Under his previous stewardship, the club won numerous trophies and it was the 58-year-old who first appointed Pep Guardiola as coach in 2008.
"I want to unite all Barca fans, it's our brotherhood and I want to lead the side to win again," he told a news conference.
Barcelona missed out on the domestic title last season to Real Madrid and lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich in the Champions League quarter finals. They are currently seventh in La Liga.
"I don't want to look back, no regrets. I want Barca to be for everyone and I'll work tirelessly for Barca to be a motor of optimism wherever you are in the world," added Laporta.
Laporta also spoke of his relationship with Lionel Messi, which he believes could work in his favour as the club attempt to convince their talismanic 33-year-old Argentina forward to stay following his disagreements with the previous board.
"Nobody can doubt that Messi loves Barca and I have a relationship of mutual respect with him and we get on very well," said Laporta.
"There's a long way to go, there's elections, I hope to be lucky enough to win the confidence of the members and I'm sure that when we get there, I'll talk to him - but I insist, Leo loves Barca and we have a fantastic relationship built on respect."
Elections will be held on Jan. 24 after previous incumbent Josep Maria Bartomeu stepped down last month along with his board of directors following a vote of no confidence.
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