FCBARCELONA.CAT

24.01.2009 23:59

Laporta: ”About Messi, they want to unsettle us”

Míriam Nadal/Vanessa Forns

Joan Laporta was clear over Real Madrid’s supposed interest in signing Messi. “It seems like there is a campaign to try to unsettle us”.

After the 4-1 victory over Numancia, FC Barcelona’s president referred to Real Madrid’s supposed interest in Leo signing the Argentinean international. According to Laporta, the rumours that have emerged in recent days is “an attempt to unsettle us to cover up their own problems”, he told Barça TV.

He added “the most important thing is that he is happy here, this is where he has grown, and he is showing this with his performance game after game. It seems like there is a campaign to try to unsettle Barça” He also said that the clubs is in “an unfair fight”, mainly because “they have the support of institutions we all pay for, especially Catalans”.

Praise for Numancia

On Saturday’s game against Numancia, Joan Laporta accepted that it had been difficult to overcome them because “they played very well, especially in defence, and they gave a good impression”. At the same time, the president praised “the strength of the team and the support of the fans” which were decisive in the final victory.

Support will be important

Finally, Joan Laporta appealed to supporters to attend the second leg of the cup-tie against Espanyol, now that Espanyol were improving. “It’s important that people come along on Thursday. They were right behind us in the second half and we quickly responded with the first goal. We’ve brought the starting time forward to 21:30, and we’d like everyone to come and enjoy a great game”.