FCBARCELONA.CAT

16.05.2010 21:48

Laporta: "It has been a privilege”

Míriam Nadal / Vanessa Forns

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."