Barcelona President Sandro Rosell has insisted he will always defend the club against any outside attacks.
Rosell was speaking at the XXXIII Barcelona World Supporters Clubs Congress held in Barcelona, where he also asserted he was happy with the start made to the La Liga season and stated his pride in Barca’s youth policy.
“We will carry on defending this club from any attacks coming from outside because we deal more with facts than popular gossip. When they attack us we take them to court,” declared Rosell, who received a standing ovation for his comments.
“We are the team to beat and have the best possible players. Of the 11 on the pitch in the opening La Liga game only two – Javier Mascherano and Dani Alves – were not formed at La Masia. That is a source of pride.”
Rosell went on to explain that Barca’s €338m debt made it impossible for the club to construct a new stadium, although he did not discount the possibility that in the future the members might hold a referendum and decide on the matter.
There was also an appearance from Ronald Koeman, scorer of the historic goal against Sampdoria at Wembley in 1992 that gave Barcelona a first-ever European Cup success.
“I am happy to have belonged to a club that won so many titles,” said the Dutchman.
“Luckily, another Barca team has come along and won even more trophies by playing such attractive football.”
