Former FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta on Monday made official his pre-candidacy for the club’s presidential elections to be held on January 24, 2021, and optimistic Lionel Messi will give Barca a chance to renew his contract at Camp Nou.
“I am presenting myself because I love Barça and because I believe that we are sufficiently well prepared to make the changes that the club needs. We have a plan to bring the club back to the forefront of the world stage.” Laporta said.
Meanwhile, Lluis Carrasco, has announced his pre-candidacy on Friday, and said: “If you want Barca to become Barca again, Laporta is coming with the strength and credit of our history.”
To confirm his candidacy, Laporta will now have to present the necessary 2,257 signatures of the supporters-shareholders and an endorsement of around 125 million euros.
“We will work to redress the economic situation of the club, which is dramatic. With work and effort, we will reverse it,” Laporta said.
The pre-candidate refused to put forward possible recruits, because talking about this could destabilise the first team, but is convinced that Messi will renew his adventure at Barcelona. The Spaniard Laporta has admitted, however, that he has yet to speak to the Blaugrana captain.
“Messi loves Barca and I’m sure he will give him a chance. If there’s one thing I’m proud of, it’s that what I announced has always happened.” Laporta said.
“We want a winning project to dominate the Champions League again, and I believe that with Leo [Messi] in the team, there is plenty to do,” he said.
“No one can doubt that Messi loves Barca. We respect each other, we like each other, but I haven’t spoken to him. When the elections are over, I hope to have the confidence of the supporters-shareholders, and then I will speak with him,” Laporta added.
Laporta was then defeated by Josep Maria Bartomeu, who resigned his post in August. The 58-year-old man is the 8th pre-candidate to run for the January elections, and is already among the favourites. He supports his candidacy on the twelve titles obtained by Barça during his first term, including two Champions Leagues (2006, 2009) and four Ligas (2005, 2006, 2009, 2010).
