Joan Laporta spoke exclusively to ESPN while being in US about the preseaoson, team preperation and other things buzzing around Barca. Some of the highlights of the interview are:-
— Talking about preseason the president said that it is for giving fans in different countries an opportunity to see their favorite clubs and for the clubs to improve their team before the season starts. He added that it also helps club gain a financial boost and went on to thanks the organizers for the matches to happen successfully.
— Laporta appreciated the youth system and how the young players are blending quickly with the first team and increasing competition within the squad. He talked about players like Lamine Yamal, Gavi and Araujo who came through youth system in the team.
—He spoke on Messi's Miami debut and wished Messi luck in his new chapter of life. He also said that he is happy for Messi and so are Barça fans.
— The president appreciated the decision of our newest signing Gundogan to chose Barca's sporting project over City's big financial offer. He also added that Xavi wanted him from start and expressed his wish for his arrival and hence the board acted accordingly.
—The president dismissed any rumors regarding the Mbappe signing and said that the club is not in that financial condition to afford such a big signing.
—Talking about Saudi's offer to Mbappe, he said that these are state backed clubs and hence are able to offer crazy amount of money to players. While talking about football in Saudi Arabia he called the current model as unsustainable in long run and went on to add that football is a team sport and not a game of individuals.
—He ended the interview by clarifying the club's stance on Super League and the club's involvement in the super league in future. He said that Super League is inevitable due to increase in the state owned club in different leagues.
