"This distorts the market": Barça president Laporta critical of Mbappe deal
The Barcelona president spoke against the deal that PSG offered Kylian Mbappé to keep him with them
Kylian Mbappé's decision to stay at PSG after the French club offered him a record contract left no one indifferent. From Real Madrid players, to Italian league authorities to former legends of the game, everyone was out there to give their take on the matter. This means, of course, that Barcelona president Joan Laporta could not stay silent on the Mbappé saga.
PSG made Kylian Mbappé the highest ever paid footballer in history
The Barcelona president spoke with Catalunyan newspaper L'Esportiu de Catalunya and was very harsh on the deal and what it means for the future of the sport. "This distorts the market", Laporta said in the interview. "Players end up being kidnapped for money".
For Laporta, it all comes down to having super rich owners and nations backing particular clubs, which break down the fairness of competition: "These are the effects of a club having a state behind it. This goes against all the principles of the European Union. It is a reflection on the sustainability of football in Europe".
Barcelona president Joan Laporta wasn't happy with the Mbappé situation, even if it weakened Real Madrid
The Barcelona boss was clear that from pro-Barça standpoint it was good news, but made it clear he didn't think it was for the betterment of football: "There is a direct rival [Real Madrid] who does not come out stronger and we prefer that he [Mbappe] cannot make us squirm when it comes to competing. But I'm left with the reflection on the sustainability of football. Because I don't think we should care so much about a rival either. We have to worry about having a competitive team, which is what we are trying to do".
Joan Laporta became Barcelona president in 2021, winning the club's presidential election in March with over 54% of the votes. His previous stint at the helm of the Catalan club, between 2003 and 2010, ended up with the club winning four LaLigas, one Copa del Rey, three Spanish Supercups, two Champions Leagues, one UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Continue reading: ZIDANE TO PSG? Former Madrid boss backed by an important figure in the club
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