'A person we loved very much' - Barcelona president Joan Laporta pays emotional tribute after death of team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia

Laporta has spoken to the media after the tragic news that first-team Carles Minarro Garcia has died at the age of 40. Barcelona's La Liga game against Osasuna was postponed in the wake of the shocking news, with the team in the dressing room preparing for the game when it was announced the match would not be going ahead.

Barcelona's president has paid a touching tribute to Minarro and revealed just how loved he was by all at the club. Laporta also offered his thanks to all involved for allowing the game to be called off at short notice as the players and the whole club have been left shocked and saddened by the doctor's untimely passing.

He told the club's media "I want to announce the death of doctor Carles Minarro, who passed away this afternoon. The players and staff are sad. He was a person we loved very much. He came on trips with the first team. It is very sad what has happened. This should make us stronger. The best thing was to postpone the match. We have asked the president of LaLiga for the postponement, who has understood it. Osasuna has been extremely understanding. They have understood this situation."

In the coming days, Barcelona and Osasuna will find a new date for the fixture to be played. A busy schedule means there are few days free and it may not be played until the final week of the Liga season in May.