Barca Would Suit Beckham, Says Laporta
Barcelona's presidential hopeful Joan Laporta, having secured Manchester United's agreement to sell him David Beckham if he wins the poll on Sunday, has now begun his public wooing of the England captain – who has so far shown no enthusiasm for the proposed move.
Barcelona's presidential hopeful Joan Laporta, having secured Manchester United's agreement to sell him David Beckham if he wins the poll on Sunday, has now begun his public wooing of the England captain – who has so far shown no enthusiasm for the proposed move.
Although Barca will not be in next season's Champions League, or have the same financial muscle that Real Madrid can command, Laporta insists they have more to offer Beckham than their bitter rivals.
Real are still regarded as favourites to secure Beckham's services, assuming he leaves Old Trafford - which seems increasingly likely. But Laporta is confident he can bring the midfielder to the Nou Camp if he wins Sunday's presidential race.
"I recommend him to come to Barcelona because he will be one of the leaders of the team," said Laporta.
"We will have a very strong team in order to win more titles and to be a better spectacle for the fans, and I think he will enjoy Barca more than Real Madrid."
"I respect Real Madrid, as I respect all teams, but the project of Barca is better."
"Our team needs a leader with the quality of David Beckham. Our club is interested in signing him and the city wants him to come."
"I have heard that he is a very nice person and I hope to convince him that the move will be of interest to him. We have offered this deal to Manchester United and they have accepted our position."
Laporta said it had been difficult to agree a deal with United, but he was convinced the effort would prove worthwhile if Beckham eventually signs.
"The negotiations have been hard but we have arrived at an agreement which interests both parties."
"We respect Beckham's position but a player of his characteristics will make our team stronger with his leadership skills."
The decision about whether he and when he should leave Old Trafford appears to have been taken out of his hands by Manchester United; but the decision about where he goes next remains very much Beckham's own. It will be interesting to see how persuasive Laporta can be – assuming he is given the chance to talk to Becks.