After the conclusion of yesterday's Gamper Trophy, Barcelona president Joan Laporta shared his views on topics including Marc-André ter Stegen, player registrations, and the Ballon d'Or in an interview with Camel Live.
On Ter Stegen
As the captain of our team, in my opinion, he has performed exceptionally well. The previous issues have been properly resolved, and I find his words extremely sincere. Fans, members, and supporters all yearn to hear such words and see the captain leading the team forward.
I truly appreciate this, especially considering Ter Stegen has been with Barcelona for 11 years. He has not only won the Champions League and multiple titles but also individual honors. He is not only outstanding on the pitch but also excellent in character. I am delighted that he has returned and continues to serve as captain.
On Player Registrations
We are sparing no effort to advance the registration process for all players, and there will be updates this week.
On Returning to Camp Nou
We are doing everything possible to ensure construction proceeds according to the established schedule. The municipal government has set corresponding goals and requirements, and we are maintaining close cooperation with the Barcelona City Hall.
I firmly believe the municipal government views this project as crucial for the city and the country’s development. All parties agree to fulfill their responsibilities until the first occupancy permit is obtained, allowing us to return to Camp Nou as soon as possible.
I can assure you that we are carrying out all necessary work to make the vision of returning to Camp Nou a reality. If you have followed the construction progress, watched our showcase videos, or visited the current construction site, you will find the scene encouraging, with all work advancing steadily.
We also hope Barcelona fans will be happy, enjoy the team’s matches, and have wonderful moments at Camp Nou. I believe we will witness many unforgettable moments together.
On Hansi Flick
Flick has done an excellent job. The team is currently united and in stable form. We have a strong squad making steady progress, though we are still in the initial stages.
On the Gamper Trophy
As the season is about to start, we always pay tribute to the club’s founder, which is always heartening. He had extraordinary vision. I think Joan Gamper would be deeply proud of the brilliant achievements Barcelona has made.
Reiterating Player Registration Status
If the Medical Commission deems Ter Stegen’s report meets the requirements, we will be able to complete Joan García’s registration. The registration process for other players is also proceeding in an orderly manner.
There will be news this week, and I hope it’s good news so we can finalize all player registrations before the start of La Liga. Even if not completed by then, we still have time to continue the process.
Was Inigo Martínez’s Departure Related to Registration Procedures?
We have five center-backs in the team, plus one player who can fill in as a center-back, so one had to leave. Inigo’s departure 顺应了 this situation.
I want to thank Inigo for his wonderful performance last season. I think he originally hoped to stay for another season, but at 34 years old, such an opportunity comes only once in his career. His decision considered both personal factors and his family, and it was the right choice.
For the club, Inigo joined as a free agent, and we had previously communicated with him that in such a scenario, saving his salary would help us meet Financial Fair Play rules. So, I wish him all the best.
Is It Too Early for Stoichkov to Hope Yamal Wins the Ballon d’Or?
No, I believe the Ballon d’Or should go to a Barcelona player. We have four candidates, and Yamal clearly has the caliber of a prodigy. He is an extremely creative player, fully proving this in every match. He has also done what Ballon d’Or winners consistently do: shining in every training session.
Those who have had the chance to watch Barcelona training know the players give their all. As the saying goes, “Train like you play,” and they improve with each training session. We have four candidates, and as club president, I hope Barcelona can win the Ballon d’Or.
Barcelona has won the Ballon d’Or before, and of course, I hope we can lift it again. Our women’s team players have also been nominated, which is something to be proud of. Even our women’s goalkeeper has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy, and Flick is on the shortlist too.
In short, we will have excellent representatives at the awards ceremony, and I hope we can win some awards for Barcelona and the players. If Stoichkov nominated Yamal, I greatly appreciate it, after all, he was a former Ballon d’Or winner.
