Joan Laporta in Barcelona announces her presidential candidacy

Laporta officially announced his candidacy for Barcelona club ministry at the press conference he held.

Joan Laporta, who was the president of the club between 2003-2010 in Barcelona, ​​announced that he would be a candidate in the presidential election to be held on January 24.

The prominent topics in Laporta's speech were his remarks about Lionel Messi and coach Ronald Koeman.

Under normal circumstances, his contract with Barcelona will expire at the end of the season, saying that "it is still time" for the Argentine football player Messi to stay in the team, Laporta said, "Everything will happen in life. It is certain that he will receive offers from other clubs, but he always received such offers. He offered 250 million euros but he said no. That's when I saw Messi and his family's admiration for Barça. In 2006, Messi's father asked me what he would do in this situation as a father. I said it would be best for him to stay with me. " He spoke in the form.

Stating that Messi is "greatly disappointed with the treatment he has received from the club management recently," Laporta said, "I insist, Messi loves Barça and I am sure he will give Barça another opportunity. and I see myself in my ability to speak to him when it's appropriate to help him do his best. " said.

On the other hand, responding to the allegations that he will bring former football player Xavi Hernandez as a coach in case of being president, Laporta said, "I have a good relationship with Xavi, but I have not talked about sports projects with him. We will see what the future will bring." made its evaluation.

Noting that he had a close relationship with Xavi as a footballer during his presidency in Barcelona, ​​Laporta said, "A football player who is a reference in Barcelona. Someone who respects me very much. Xavi's knowledge of football is very much. He devoted his life to football, it will be the case from now on. Barcelona I am sure your wishes will come true. " found in the description.

Laporta emphasized that "he should be given time to realize his projects" by coach Ronald Koeman, who was appointed at the beginning of this season in Barcelona, ​​"Ronald is one of the big names of Barça. He loves the club and will have time to show himself." used the expression.

In October, president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the board of directors resigned after the signatures collected by opposition club members in Barcelona, ​​and Carles Tusquets was temporarily appointed as the club president.

Laporta and Victor Font are shown as favorites among 9 candidates before the club presidency election to be held on January 24 in Barcelona, ​​which has a huge decrease in income and economic problems due to the epidemic.

Laporta, a 58-year-old lawyer, served as the president of the club in Barcelona between 2003-2010 and then served as a deputy in the first Catalonia local parliament (2010-2012) and then a councilor in Barcelona municipality (2011-2015).

Victor Font, 48, a media boss, is among other strong candidates.

In the statements made so far, Font also said that he will do everything to keep Messi.