Joan Laporta: spoke about Lautaro and why he respected Marotta

Joan Laporta revealed at the 33rd European Football Clubs (EFC) assembly in Copenhagen that Barça made approaches for Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan) in late August. The push came because they couldn’t sign Julián Álvarez (Atlético de Madrid), but the talks were shut down after Beppe Marotta’s stance.

The president described the call: “One day I phoned Beppe Marotta… He told me clearly the player wasn’t for sale… so I ended all conversations.” Laporta added that they stopped out of “respect” for Marotta and for Inter.

Laporta also addressed Cesc Fàbregas and the clause in his contract, saying they keep track of his work at Como. He pointed to the Italian club’s visit on January 27 and stressed that right now Hansi Flick is central for Barça. He also reiterated that winning the Champions League again and completing the new stadium are among his goals.