5 weeks ago Josep Maria Bartomeu stepped down as president of FC Barcelona. The candidate successors can no longer be counted on 1 hand.
Victor Font, Jordi Farre, Toni Freixa, Emili Rousaud, Xavi Vilajoana, Lluis Fernandez Wing in Pere Riera stelden to with candidatuur.
Joan Laporta is the newest candidate. He was already president of Barcelona between 2003 and 2010, but then had to pass the baton due to persistent criticism.
58-year-old Laporta has already made some promises. If he wins the presidential election on January 24, he will try to keep figurehead Lionel Messi at the club for longer.
“It would be great to have Messi’s leadership on our field longer,” said Laporta. “We know he can’t go on forever, but he has a few more years ahead of him at the highest level.”
The 33-year-old Argentinian has a contract until the end of June next year, but is free to negotiate with other clubs from January 1. If Messi stays, he will have to give up. “I think” Leo “is the first to understand the club’s situation,” said Laporta. “He will take that into account.”
Laporta also reiterated his wish to bring back success coach Pep Guardiola “someday”. The 49-year-old Guardiola recently extended his contract with Manchester City for 2 years until 2023.
“Pep is a friend. My congratulations for staying with City longer and being happy. But like all Barça fans, I hope he will return one day. If I win the elections, I may be able to achieve that goal one day,” concluded Laporta.
