Joan Laporta talks Lionel Messi, Xavi, Ronald Koeman, Johan Cruyff during Barça’s 125th-anniversary | OneFootball

Joan Laporta took centre stage at Barça’s 125th-anniversary gala, a highly anticipated event celebrating the rich legacy of the club.

As the president of FC Barcelona, Laporta delivered a heartfelt speech that expressed immense gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the club’s illustrious history.

His words painted a picture of pride, ambition, and unity, all of which encapsulate the spirit of Barcelona.

Laporta began by honouring the club’s founder, Joan Gamper, recognising his vision that set the foundation for Barça. He reflected on the club’s evolution over the years, calling it an entity that makes dreams come true.

With an eye toward the future, he emphasised the new Spotify Camp Nou project, envisioning it as a world-class stadium capable of seating over 100,000 fans, setting a new benchmark across the five continents.

“Thank you, Joan Gamper, for promoting Barça. Barça makes dreams come true. Now the dream is a stadium for more than 100,000 people. It will be the best stadium on the 5 continents,” he began saying.

Praise for the former greats

Joan Laporta mentioned Lionel Messi in his speech. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

The president highlighted various iconic periods in Barça’s history, carefully recounting the moments that have defined the club.

He paid tribute to legendary figures such as Hristo Stoichkov, Ronald Koeman, Frank Rijkaard, Deco, and Juliano Belletti, applauding their significant contributions on the pitch.

Special mention was given to Lionel Messi, whom Laporta described as the most influential player in Barcelona’s history. He also acknowledged the efforts of Koeman and Xavi for keeping hope alive during some of the club’s most challenging times.

“He [Messi]is the best player in history and the most decisive in the history of Barça,” he noted.

Pride in wearing Barcelona’s colours

He expressed his pride in Barça’s connection to its birthplace, Barcelona, and Catalonia, while also acknowledging the millions of fans who share the club’s joys and sorrows globally.

Joan Laporta also thanked Ronald Koeman and Xavi. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

“Barça has always been proud and grateful to the city where it was born, Barcelona, and the country where he was born, Catalonia. It’s exciting to see millions of Barça fans who are happy and suffering around the world.”

The speech reached an emotional high when he paid tribute to Johan Cruyff, referring to him as one of Barça’s most pivotal figures.

“The flying Dutchman, one of the most important people in the history of Barça,” he said.

Closing his address, Laporta reflected on the club’s legacy, expressing hope that the values and pride of Barcelona would be passed down to future generations.

“Today we are heirs to Gamper and now we want to pass on Barça to our children and grandchildren. For many years. Long live Barça and long live Catalonia,” he concluded.

His final words embodied the passion that defines Barça: a celebration of the past, a commitment to the present, and a vision for the future.

Source: SPORT