FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta spoke to the program "El Matí" on Catalunya Ràdio.
In his interview with Ricard Ustrell, the Barça president addressed topics such as the controversy between the Federation and Barça over Lamine Yamal, the reaction of national team coach Luis de la Fuente, the return date to the Camp Nou stadium, and Leo Messi's surprise visit to the stadium. This is how we reported it on SPORT.es
Joan Laporta, from the stands of the Spotify Camp Nou
"So many memories of the past, appreciating the present, imagining the future... So many emotions. What's really touching is seeing people hug you, get emotional... It creates a contagious effect. Many already see that this is a reality."
Laporta on Messi
"Well, I know how it happened. It was a spontaneous act, a true act of Barça pride. I didn't know about it. This is his home. When they told me what happened, it seemed like a charming, spontaneous outburst, a true act of Barça pride. We have a good relationship; I didn't send him any message. We love him here, this is his home, and he knows it. We've always said it: it's only right that he receives the most beautiful tribute in the world. I think it will be wonderful. We're working to make it possible to play matches here, and within that context, I'd like to see a tribute held for the best player in history. I know he'd like that too. As it all happened, I don't regret anything: Barça comes before everyone. It wasn't how we all would have liked it, but it couldn't happen at that moment. If the tribute can be rescheduled, we'd be happy."
Messi comeback as a player?
"Out of the utmost respect for Messi, the club's professionals, and the members... It's inappropriate for me to make unrealistic speculations at this time."
More on the Spotify Camp Nou project:
"The idea is for the third tier to be ready for the start of next season. This project began 15 years ago, and for eleven of those years, nothing has been done. I don't want to go into the details of Norman Foster's project. When we arrived in 2021, we felt it was essential to carry out this project to make the club sustainably viable. We've been away for two and a half years, and we want to return as quickly as possible. I don't like to dwell on what's been said. Camp Nou is a reality and a dream for all Barça fans. There are many Barça supporters who aren't asking for this to end so they can experience it."
"The Camp Nou is a reality and a dream for all Barça fans. There are many Barça supporters who don't want this to end so they can live this experience."
Limak
"I would definitely work with Limak again. The quality of the construction is excellent, with a steady pace, despite the setbacks... These are situations we've overcome. Limak treats this project as something unique; they're passionate about the team, and I see them as excited as we are. Here, we demand compliance with current legislation. There haven't been any incidents involving the workers, which is what has always worried me, in case of an irreversible accident. It's the largest construction project in southern Europe. I'm happy with Limak because they've complied with all applicable laws."
The Return
"This is constantly evolving. We'll play as soon as possible. I like to set dates to add pressure; that's what was stipulated in the construction contract, but there are always unforeseen circumstances and imponderables. Of course, it's ready to play; we can do it with 27,000 players. Hansi got goosebumps, and the players were blown away."
Hansi Flick
"He's calm, excited, and motivated. We have a contract, and I'm sure we'll reach an agreement. He lives and breathes Barça, and we're delighted with him: he has character and is sensitive. He's enjoying himself—despite the pressure—with that look he has."
Lamine Yamal
"He's enjoying life at 18; he's very mature for his age. I'm not worried about his lifestyle at all. We have to protect and support him: us and those around him. He's lived a lot and handles it very well. He's a professional and trains harder than anyone. He has a problem with pubalgia, and it's very commendable that he continues playing through the recovery process; it shows his Barça spirit and commitment. He's a genius; we have to guide his development properly. He hasn't yet reached his peak. He's the best player in his position in the world."
Lamine Yamal and the national team
"We notified them as soon as we found out. When the doctor treating him told us he needed 10 days of rest, we informed the national team. We respect all parties involved and don't get involved in controversies. We try to heal our players at the pace that suits us. This doctor, who is a leading expert, arrived on Monday. He examined him on Monday and told us the treatment plan; everything has gone smoothly. We want Lamine available for the club. This rest period coincided with the national team's schedule, but I don't think it will jeopardize the team's qualification because they are very well on their way. We are doing what we have to do in the best interests of Barça."
The relationship with Florentino and Real Madrid
"The meeting was proper, respectful, and harmonious. We've never been married, so a divorce isn't possible. Relations aren't good because they appeared in the 'Negreira case,' presenting irrelevant and inconclusive facts. Having the case open must be of some interest to them. We don't like it, and it's a tense situation. We're eternal rivals, and we handle it with respect. I didn't want to get into the subject of the match in Miami against Villarreal. We saw from the first moment or opposition from the AFE (Spanish Footballers' Association) and other clubs. I don't believe the competition will be compromised."
Clubs as Public Limited Sports Companies (SADs)
"Everyone can do what they think is best. As long as I am president of Barça, the club will be owned by its members. It goes beyond a business seeking profit. We are Catalan and open to the world, sustainable, inclusive, and supportive... We have been committed to freedom, democracy, Catalonia, our language, and our culture for over 125 years. Reducing all of this to a business is inappropriate. From the perspective of raising funds, we are very clear about this. Goldman Sachs saw a great opportunity, and the investment funds that have raised the €1.47 billion we used to finance the stadium saw our structuring system as attractive. We are a national asset."
Catalonia and the Catalan language
"It is in a complicated situation regarding achieving greater sovereignty and powers. We are making governance dependent on the state." The role we Catalans have always played has been important, and I believe we can influence the state government, which is a good thing. I won't comment on party politics. We must promote the language, and we do everything we can in this regard. We collaborate with Òmnium Cultural to broaden the social use of Catalan and keep the sense of Catalan identity alive. Together, we must promote, work with, and speak Catalan.
The elections
"I'm not thinking about them right now. We've just started the season; we're in the thick of it. According to the statutes, they have to be held between March 15th and June 15th. We'll call them when it's most convenient for Barça. I don't like this kind of opportunism. I'll think about what's best for the team. When we see how the team is progressing. Don't make me give a date, but yes, for example, before a hypothetical Champions League semi-final. I hope we're competing until the end in every competition." We haven't decided yet; I'm eager to live these moments intensely.
His lifestyle
"I've lived a rock and roll life for years. I've always been an active person who loves what I do, enjoys it, and tries to have a good time despite the inherent complexities."
Davichi
22
Laporta is a very matured leader. If it were some others with recent events, they'd say all sorts of things but he has kept the conversation polite and objective. I hope he retains his presidency.