Joan Laporta enjoyed his last official game at FC Barcelona as the club president and was able to celebrate as the team secured the league title with a 4-0 triumph over Real Valladolid on Sunday evening.
The Camp Nou supremo will stand down in June and was delighted to be able to say goodbye in style
as Pep Guardiola's players delivered the 20th championship success in the Blaugrana's history. "I
feel very emotional because all the fans are so happy," he said. "On a personal level this trophy
win has made me emotional because of what it means. I want to dedicate it to the mother of my
children, Constanza."
Great spirit
Since taking over at Camp Nou in 2003 Laporta has overseen an epic era
of success and is pleased that his last term in charge also ended with silverware. "I cannot choose
a favourite moment," he explained. "With all the good times we have had and we have shown a great
spirit in difficult moments too."
Making it possible
Laporta was keen to thank everyone that helped the club during his reign. "I want to thank
all the people that have made it possible for Barça to enjoy the greatest moment in the club's
history and helped to make this club a world leader."
Confident start
"I believed that when I started that we could do this," the president then stated,. "We were
confident that working hard we could achieve all this. It is the result of a plan that works and
that has made us become recognised as the best club in the world. I have had the privilege of being
the president of Barça and I believe I have given the club the best years of my life."
Deserving win
Laporta then revealed that his delight at winning the title was tempered
by the flipside of victory as Real Valladolid were relegated and their presiednt and directors were
left dismayed. "Their president watched his team go down which made things difficult," he said.
"But we have won what must have been the most competitive title run-in in history. We deserved it
though. We had it in our hands and we did what we had to do. The players have done well and that is
why I congratulate them and the coaching staff."
Keep going
Work will not stop now that the season has finished and Laporta has promised he will continue
to carry out his role until June 30. "We will not take our foot off the pedal," he commented. "We
want the elections to be perfect and other teams also have important game. I will carry out my
duties until the last day."
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The best president in history
Barça technical secretary Txiki Begiristain was full of praise for president Joan Laporta after the
title win on Sunday. "It is the best possible end for the best president in the club's history," he
said. "He has always bounced back and we should be grateful for the strength and desire he has
shown.
"In 2003 we took over when things were complicated and the president has remained strong and
completely turned things around," Begiristain continued. "He made the fans even stronger and have
confidence in this team."
"We have the obligation to continue working and want to improve the team right up until June
30."