Joan Laporta, "happy" for Ter Stegen's returns: "He is our captain"

FC Barcelona crushed Italy's Como 1907 (5-0) in the 'Festa del Gamper Estrella Damm'. Hansi Flick's team closed the preseason with another rout, in an authentic party at the Estadi Johan Cruyff that began with the expected words of Marc-André ter Stegen.

After the 'soap opera' over his medical report and time off, the German gave the traditional presentation speech of the squad, once his situation at the club was resolved. In this regard, Joan Laporta was happy with the way the problem with the '1' culé ended up being resolved.

"Marc is our captain. What was there is already fixed. His words have been sincere and the fans needed it," the Azulgrana president began by saying to 'TV3' at the end of the match. For now, 'Matts' remains the team's first captain, although it is unlikely that he will play again this year.

"I really liked it because he has been at the club for eleven seasons and has won everything. I am very happy that he is the captain again," added Laporta, who also spoke about Barça's financial and sporting situation.

Joan Laporta is confident of resolving the pending registrations this week

Pending the official medical report from LaLiga, Ter Stegen must be out for at least five months so that Barcelona can release 80% of his salary. The club has already sent all the documentation and the employers will issue their report no later than this Wednesday.

In that sense, Laporta is confident of leaving everything resolved in time, prior to the start of the 25/26 season, regarding the management of the squad. "With Marc's situation, we hope to be able to register Joan García, if the Medical Commission gives the go-ahead. With the others, we also hope to register them this coming week. We are working to make this happen," explained the president.

In addition, he referred to Iñigo Martínez's departure. Although it is a sensitive loss and at 'zero cost', 'Jan' valued the operation, which is very useful in terms of financial 'Fair Play' despite not leaving money in the bank.

"We had five center-backs and one had to leave. I only have words of thanks for Iñigo. He made a good decision, on an individual and family level. It helps us in 'Fair Play', he clarified.

The return to the Camp Nou, the Ballon d'Or... Laporta opens up

On the other hand, the Azulgrana president spoke about the expected return to the Spotify Camp Nou. Although the club could not return to the Estadi for the Gamper, there is full confidence in receiving the remaining licenses to reopen the culé temple in September.

"We are doing everything possible to ensure that the works are on time. We are working hand in hand with the Ajuntament. We are all aligned to return as soon as possible. It is what the members and fans want," argued Laporta.

For now, Barça has a partial occupancy license in mid-next month, gradually increasing the capacity as the works progress. The idea is to start with 27,000 seats enabled and close the year with a capacity close to 60,000. However, it still remains to obtain UEFA's approval to play Champions League in Les Corts.

Finally, Joan Laporta spoke with 'TV3' about the 2025 Ballon d'Or. Four players from the first team (Raphinha, Lewandowski, Pedri and Lamine Yamal) were nominated, with the one from Mataró being the big favorite along with Ousmane Dembélé. For 'Jan', there is no doubt about who should be the next winner.

"I think the Ballon d'Or has to be for a Barça player. Lamine is at a genius level, he shows it in every game and in every training session. He gives everything and does better every time. As president, I want one of our players to win the award," said the president of FC Barcelona.