Joan Laporta revealed in a press interview his “love” for Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong, and also talked about Messi’s possible return to Barcelona.
The press had recently talked about the pressures experienced by the former Ajax player in the ranks of the Blaugrana, after the administration decided to get rid of him.
But the Barcelona president insisted that he was not for sale in the first place, but hinted that de Jong should “help the club” in an interview he gave to “The New York Times”.
What about Barcelona?
Laporta stressed the importance of the economic leverage and the success it achieved for Barcelona, saying: “I don’t gamble, I take calculated risks.”
He stressed that he knows what he is doing, and that recklessness is not among his priorities, and he also made it clear that he did not want to sell the club’s assets in the first place, but the current situation forced him to do so.
What did he say about Messi?
On Messi, Laporta insisted on what was said before: “As president, I feel I have a moral debt with Leo to give him the best moment of his career, or to give him the best end of his career.”
Which opens the door about the Argentine star returning to Barcelona to retire in his beloved place, and it is possible that this will be next season, after the end of Al-Barghouth’s contract with Paris Saint-Germain.
What about de Jong?
Joan Laporta also spoke about Frenkie de Jong’s position, stating that he “loves it” while insisting it is not for sale.
However, he stressed the importance of de Jong’s standing with Barcelona, as he stressed that the Dutchman must help the club, and it is possible that this could be through reducing his salary again.
Which will allow Barcelona to register new team deals before the start of the season, by balancing the wages paid to players.