Barcelona president speaks Messi, Fati, Dembele, Roberto | OneFootball

Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s interview with SPORT has been released and once again, there are many eye-catching quotes from the publication.

The Spanish businessman spoke on topics like Lionel Messi to the renewals of multiple players. Moreover, the interview provides a birdseye view of the happenings at the club. Here are the snippets from the president’s interaction with the media.

On Lionel Messi: “Messi will always be in our hearts and the doors of Barcelona are open for him.”

On his statement regarding Messi playing for free: “I don’t want to talk about it anymore, the only thing I ask is respect for the decision we made. We were sad, we enjoyed him as a footballer and as a person. We must look forward because our responsibility is Barca.”

On the Argentine’s departure: “Messi’s departure was a very sad moment, as usual: I try to look forward and not think about the past because this takes energy from me to move forward. His departure was sad and painful.”

On Sergi Roberto’s renewal: “Roberto is here, only some details remain. The captains had an extraordinary gesture, their salaries were reduced and they gave up some variables. He is an important player because he represents a lot of money. He is not obligated to do so[wage cut], he[his gesture] is very much appreciated.”

On Ousmane Dembele’s situation: “We have a very good relationship with him, we are in a conversation with his agent. Ousmane wants to stay, [and is] a player that interests us.”

On Ansu Fati’s situation: “His case is the same as Dembele, he has a contract and wants to stay and we are negotiating.”

On the corporate future of the club: “With me, Barcelona will not turn into a company.”

On switching to the Bayern Munich model of ownership: “We don’t think about it but we know it is a model with interesting points but we have it different. We can achieve the same effects that Bayern has with some formulas so that Barcelona members never lose ownership of the club.”

On the financial accounts of last year: “It is necessary that the financial accounts be voted on on Sunday. They are the worst numbers in the history of Barcelona. They are the numbers we inherited, but we do not hide.”

On the CVC deal: “If it remains as it is now, we will not sign it. If the terms are changed, yes, we will study it.”