Rosell and the board intentionally let Guardiola leave Barca, says Laporta

Dec 14, 2012 12:40:00 PM

The 50-year-old believes that the current hierarchy at the Blaugrana did not do everything possible to keep the coach and criticised the sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways

Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta has claimed that his successor Sandro Rosell and the board intentionally let Pep Guardiola depart the club earlier this year.

The retired midfielder decide to leave his position to take a sabbatical, and the 50-year-old is of the opinion that not everything was done to keep the trainer on board.

"The current board could have done much more to convince him to stay. His departure was an intentional negligence," he told reporters.

He also took the time to take a swipe at the decision to sign a sponsorship deal with Qatar Airways, which he believes might not be in the club's best interest.

"Many lies have been told along the way to reach the point where things are now. Whether or not it was the best deal for the club depends on whether funds were needed.

"In reality decisions like these are eroding the value of the club's solidarity."

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