Laporta steps down with parting message: 'Can't wait to see you again'
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has resigned to stand in upcoming elections, expressing confidence in his record while eyeing Champions League success in potential second term.
Barcelona president resigns ahead of March elections but expects swift return to power
The resignation that’s not really goodbye
Joan Laporta’s officially stepped down as Barcelona president, but don’t be fooled – this is more ‘see you in a bit’ than ‘cheerio forever’. The Catalan lawyer resigned following Monday’s board meeting, a necessary formality that allows him to stand in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for March 15th.
Laporta seemed absolutely buzzing about his prospects for returning, even dropping the line “Me voy con ganas de volver a veros” (I’m leaving eager to see you again) – hardly the words of someone who thinks his Barcelona chapter is closing.
Five years of rebuilding
The outgoing president was proper chuffed about his tenure since 2021, claiming:
- Barcelona fans are “happy” again
- The club is in better shape than five years ago
- Difficult decisions have paid off
- Players deserve credit for numerous trophy successes
He’s not wrong about the trophy cabinet getting a decent polish during his reign, though there’s one glaring absence he acknowledged – that bloomin’ Champions League. Reading between the lines, it’s clear he’s dangling European glory as the carrot for his potential second term.
Camp Nou transformation
Laporta couldn’t help but have a bit of a boast about the Spotify Camp Nou redevelopment, describing it as “the largest heritage project in the club’s history.” The stadium renovation represents a massive part of his legacy, and he’s banking on socios appreciating this concrete (literally) achievement when they cast their ballots.
The March 15th election now looms large, but Laporta’s confident strut suggests he’s already measuring the curtains for another five years in the president’s office. For a bloke who’s technically just resigned, he couldn’t look more certain about his Barcelona future if he tried.