La Liga 2016/17: Gerard Pique is the right fit to become Barcelona president says Joan Laporta
Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has backed defender Gerard Pique as the right fit to become the chief of the club one day provided he decides to stand for the post. Earlier this month Gerard Pique was speaking to Spain’s Fora de Serie programme and claims he would love to be the president of Barcelona in the future once he hangs up his boots.
"It's a step I would like to take once I have retired from playing. Of course I would like to be Barça president because I can't really see myself in the role of a coach, I don't think I would enjoy that so much. But I see myself fitting into the president's job because this is a club which I feel passionately about. I also think that when a player's playing career comes to an end, the logical next step, at least for me, is to become president", Piqué explained.
Joan Laporta has given his full support to Pique to become a future Barcelona president claiming, "He has a great personality, loves Barca, is brave and has all the qualities to be a great president.," in an interview with Diario Sport.
Laporta also claims Xavi would make a great Barcelona manager one day due to his personality going on to add he would love to see Pep Guardiola back at the Nou Camp.
Laporta also continued to criticise the current president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro Rossell in their dealings with the two tax cases involving superstar Lionel Messi and Neymar that rocked the club over the past few years.
The former chief Laporta remains angry with the behaviour of his successors with the settlement of Neymar’s tax case in 2013 and Messi’s tax case with the courts where he claims the president of the Barcelona should have accompanied Messi to the courts to show support.
The settlement of Neymar’s tax case meant admitting the club's fault over the transfer and blamed for the wrongdoings with Bartomeu and Rosell who were cleared of any personal wrongdoings.
"It's a cowardly and unworthy pact which has condemned Barca to a double tax offence," Laporta said, having previously encouraged fans to oppose it.
"Rosell and Bartomeu can't get away with it. It's an insult. The commissioners have to avoid Barca being condemned [for the tax fraud]."
Laporta’s comments with regards to Lionel Messi tax case and the behaviour of the Barcelona president was odd and said,
"As ex-president I find it strange the club hasn't been more forceful on this matter.
"It was proven that the state attorney had connections with Real Madrid. Here is where they had to act more forcefully, as I know other clubs act when it's their players.
"When Leo was in court, the president of Barcelona should have accompanied him."
Messi and Neymar have since been allowed to play for Barcelona but the charges are still ongoing