FCBARCELONA.CAT

27.05.2009 23:26

Laporta: “This is the best Barça team ever”

Vanessa Forns

Speaking just after the win that gave the Club its third Champions League and completed an historic treble, Joan Laporta was adamant: “This is the best Barça team ever”.

Visibly happy and emotional, the president of FC Barcelona spoke about his delight at a wonderful season that has seen the team lift the league, Cup and Champions League trophies: “The best season in the history of the Club”.

“History has given us back the prestige we deserve”.

“I have the feeling that Barça has gone back to normality because history has given us back the prestige we deserve. We have three European Cups. We are leading club. I’m proud for the Club and for all Barça fans”.

True to their style

The president also highlighted the fact that the players have remained true to their philosophy of football throughout the season: “Guardiola and his players have produced the best season in Barça’s history while remaining true to their style of football. With home-grown players, a very significant factor in the identity of the Club, the social mass and our footballing style. This is the best Barça team ever”.

Dedications

Joan Laporta gave a thought to his fellow directors: “This is a prize for those of us that fought for Barça, and in that sense that includes my colleagues on the Board”. He also remembered his father: “I dedicate this to my father who would certainly have enjoyed himself immensely”.

“This has exceeded our expectations”

Asked if he had ever imagined this level of success when he appointed Josep Guardiola as manager, Laporta explained: “This has exceeded our expectations. When we took the decision to appoint Guardiola we were confident it would go very well but we didn’t imagine we would produce the best season in the history of the Club. We choose a person with knowledge and a lot of personality”.