FCBARCELONA.CAT

13.06.2010 10:29

Laporta to stay President until the 30th June

Vanessa Forns

Joan Laporta stated that he would continue with his duties as FC Barcelona president until June 30 as stated in the club statutes on the day that he and other members went to the polls.

Standing at table 58 deep inside Camp Nou at 9.30am on Sunday the current Blaugrana supremo made it clear that he would not be leaving the post this weekend and would remain in place for another two-and-a-half weeks in order to lay the foundations for the new president.

Mission accomplished

After seven years at the helm Laporta explained that he felt “happy and calm” about the vote. “I can go feeling content and pleased because I have a good feeling that the mission that we proposed on the day that we took over is complete,” he said.

Top of the world

“I am particularly proud of lifting Barça back to be at the top of the world game in both sporting and media terms,” he continued. “Also, we have defended the Catalan identity of the club and earned great respect. Like my colleagues on the board have all said, we have dedicated the best years of our lives to the club. It has been a great honour.”

Barça party

On the elections Laporta believes that everything would run smoothly. “I think it will be a model process and will be like a party for Barcelonismo,” he commented. “The members are the true owners of this club. Today they should exercise one of their fundamental rights by voting. It is a day to enjoy and is democracy in its purest form. It is a day for democracy and participation.”

Backing his man

Asked about his support of Jaume Ferrer in the election, Laporta said: “In the democratic election in the United States the president that is outgoing has every right to give his opinion about who is the best person to take over. I always look to defend the rights of FC Barcelona. That is why I have backed a continuity candidate.”