Joan Laporta: 'I see FC Barcelona fans proud of this team'

The FC Barcelona president ​​Joan Laporta has addressed the Barça fans the day after the defeat in Milan saw the team fall just short of their ninth Champions League final. In a message recorded for Barça One, Laporta expressed his "gratitude to the over 4,000" who were there in Milan, and to everyone who has been supporting the team throughout the season.

Aware of how tough the defeat was, he emphasised that "we all have to help them recover the mindset to win LaLiga", the main objective this season. As well as shining a light on some refereeing decisions, Laporta noted that this is "a team for the present and the future", and he showed he is "convinced that if we keep working, our dreams will come true."

Clearly he acknowledges that this "is a very tough moment", but that he sees "FC Barcelona fans proud of this team and proud of what is being done." Looking towards what's next, no less than the Clásico on Sunday, he said "it's a crucial match", before continuing "We have to fill Montjuïc to give warmth to the team."

He also had a few words about the basketball team, who also fell just short of the EuroLeague Final Four in their case, stating "We've had many injuries and many setbacks" before continuing "we competed very well against Monaco." And, as is the case with the football team, they will be back in the hunt once again next year like every year.