Emili Rousaud has presented his candidacy for the upcoming elections, and also revealed plans to rename the Camp Nou after Leo Messi.
On Thursday afternoon, former Barcelona vice president Emili Rousaud presented his presidential campaign “Els millors, al Barça” (In English: “The best for Barça”). And he did not hold back in sharing some of his plans;
He revealed concrete plans to bring Neymar back to the club. “Today we can’t afford him, but we can in 2022, when his contract ends.” This is providing that he withdraws the lawsuit against the club, for the reported unpaid 26 million euro bonus from the summer of 2018.
“We have contacted his representatives and we’ve raised the possibility of him returning to the club when his contract (with PSG) ends.”
Rousaud also presented his wish to rename the Camp Nou to Camp Nou Leo Messi. He spoke about his sporting plans, and said he accepted that Koeman is the current coach of the first team, but that he would appoint someone else if he was to be elected president.
On a more general note, Rousaud said he’s running for president out of feeling, commitment and experience. “To rebuild the team and the club’s economy. I will leave my skin to try to make Barça the best team in the world. I can guarantee you management skills. I know the club well and hopefully they will allow me to do the changes needed to return to being the best team in the world.”
“Redo the team to rebuild the economy and the club. The goal is to begin winning league and Champions league titles again. The situation is dire. It is a priority to rebuild the team. In two years we have to make the team competitive again and be among the three best in the Champions League.”
Rousaud revealed that the team behind the campaign is already agreed and will be revealed. It’s a team with extensive experience and competence within business, economic and sports.”
Rousaud also spoke about the controversy which led to him resigning from the vice president position under Bartomeu’s board. The club allegedly paid a social media company named i3 ventures to boost the profile of the board, and simultaneously talk down presidential candidates, and even club legends like Xavi, Pique and Puyol.
“The values of the club were violated. I disagreed on this issue and said that enough was enough.”
The election date is yet to be determined, but it is expected to take place in January 2021.
