If Laporta Doesn’t Continue, I’ll Leave, and My Decisions Depend on My Personal Convictions

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, confirmed that his continuation in his position is directly linked to the continuation of Joan Laporta at the helm of the club, explaining that he joined the club because he believed in the project of the recently resigned president.

Deco said: “I came because I believe in Joan Laporta’s project, which was based on rebuilding, and if I stay, it’s because the project is continuing in the stabilization phase. Certainly, if Laporta is not present, things will change, and I will not continue. It’s not about Víctor Font or anyone else, but about what I believe in and my personal life.”

He continued: “I have the freedom to choose, I’m not held captive in this. I came here with an idea, because I’m from Barcelona and I wanted to help. I thought I could contribute to Laporta’s project.”

He added: “I have the freedom because I’ve earned the trust to build Barcelona. Sporting decisions are tough, and it’s hard for a sporting director to align with a coach for more than five years. I think we managed to rebuild the team, and this generates trust from your president. I have the freedom, but I don’t do anything without the president’s knowledge, out of respect for him and because I sometimes have a different perspective. There are decisions that must be the club’s decisions.”

Regarding his opinion on the president’s involvement in technical matters, Deco said: “A president who was with Ronaldinho, Deco, Xavi, Messi, and Iniesta, and won what he won, lived ten years and then another five years, a football lover, and has Johan as an advisor, knows a lot about football. From here, he should be listened to because he knows, and then decisions are made in agreement. The president is not in the daily details, but his opinion must be respected, and if he is wrong, he must be convinced with strong arguments.”

Deco concluded his statements by saying: “My relationship with Laporta is strong and based on mutual trust and respect, and my continuation is linked to the continuation of the project I believed in when I joined the club,” confirming that his decisions depend on his personal and professional convictions, not on external pressures.