Laporta rules out signing Di Maria

The presidential candidate insists he has no
intention of luring the Argentine away from
Manchester United and praised Lionel Messi

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has
insisted he will not seek to sign Angel Di Maria if
he is elected in the upcoming elections.
The 52-year-old, who served as the club's chief
from 2003 to 2010 and is standing to succeed
Jose Maria Bartomeu at the helm of the club ahead
of the vote on July 18.
His campaign has been linked to the possible
signings, including Di Maria, but he insists he will
not look to lure the former Real Madrid man away
from Manchester United.
"We could not think about signing Di Maria," he
told Catalunya Radio, before stressing his
confidence of winning the campaign. "We
guarantee that we will win because we
manage sporting success.
"I am very excited to be able to lead the club."
The politician also took a pop at his rival
Bartomeu, insisting he is the one Real Madrid fans
would prefer to see elected.
"I have always respected the Madrid fans and they
tell me that there are surveys that say Bartomeu is
the preferred candidate of Real Madrid.
"We are Unicef, but Rosell and Bartomeu, they are
with Qatar. It does not bring any confidence or
satisfaction that they can remain the sponsor of
the club.
"I don't like to be told that the models are similar."
Laporta was also full of praise for Lionel Messi,
insisting the club must do what they can to keep
him for the remainder of his career before praising
Luis Enrique.
"Leo gives you everything and when you
have Messi, you can always dream. We should
always strive to get him to finish his career at the
club."
"Luis Enrique deserves to work in a team with
great talent and achieve a successful outcome.
That is a credit to him and his team. His
philosophy is like Johan Cruyff's, keep the ball,
press hard, be strong."