'We will make this dream a reality' - Joan Laporta determined to bring Lionel Messi back to Barcelona
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Published 29/07/2022 at 09:34 GMT
Lionel Messi ended a 21-year association with the Catalan club last summer after financial difficulties left Barcelona unable to renew his contract. After a mixed opening season at Paris Saint-Germain, Laporta has made his intentions clear as he seeks a reunion with the Argentine forward, with the Barcelona president saying he feels "indebted" to Messi given the manner in which he departed.
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Barcelona have made their intention to bring Lionel Messi back to the club clear as president Joan Laporta insists he will make the "dream a reality".
Messi left the club last summer after 21 years in Catalonia, forced to depart on a free transfer with Barcelona unable to sign him to a new deal after encountering financial difficulties.
The 35-year-old joined Paris Saint-Germain and endured a first season in the French capital disrupted by injury, registering his lowest goals total since the 2005-06 season.
The Argentine, who won a record seventh Ballon d'Or last November, signed a two-year deal in Paris, but has been heavily connected with a potential reunion with Barcelona after an unfortunate end to his first stint at the club.
Laporta has indicated he will do all he can to make a return happen, suggesting that he feels he owes Messi a chance for a fonder farewell.
"I feel indebted to Leo Messi," Laporta said during the club's preseason tour of the United States.
"I'd love the end of his career to be at Barcelona with a standing ovation in every stadium. I think we can make it happen.
"I feel partially responsible for how things ended, and I feel that this is a temporary end and that we will make this dream a reality. At least that is the dream."
Barcelona are having a busy summer in the transfer market despite continued financial problems, and have agreed a deal with Sevilla for defender Jules Kounde.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha have already been signed, while Franck Kessie and Andreas Christensen have arrived on free transfers.
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They open their La LIga season against Rayo Vallecano on 13 August.
It will be their first full season under Xavi, and Kounde revealed that the former midfielder's presence at the tiller was a key factor in his decision to join Barcelona.
The French defender explained: “Xavi is a big reason as to why I’m here.
"His spiel convinced me, I’m excited to start working with the team. It’s clear that we see football in the same way”.
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