Barcelona is celebrating its birthday this Wednesday, in which it celebrated its 124 years of history and already presented the logo and manifesto of the 125th anniversary, which will be celebrated in 365 days. “The anniversary will serve to strengthen the health of the club,” said Barcelona president Joan Laporta. “There are not as many institutions that have seen three centuries and are a reference like Barça,” stated the musician and columnist David Carabén, chosen as commissioner and in charge of the events that involve celebration.
In the event that marked the start of the splendor, Laporta defined Barcelona fandom as “a fun suffering.” “We have had to overcome obstacles, we have overcome them and we will continue to do so. Barça is lived very intensely because we are a multi-sports club. They are sensations that not everyone can have. “I have a great time,” he confessed.
The president seemed satisfied with Barcelona's passage to the round of 16 of the Champions League, after two years of falling and playing in the Europa League. “I was very happy to beat Porto and that we are already classified for the round of 16 and that gives us an iron morale for Atlético de Madrid,” he reflected already facing the Colchonero visit in the League.
Laporta had a special mention for the first team coach. “I was happy for all the culés but especially for Xavi, who has overcome difficult moments with many injured. I was happy that João Félix and Cancelo scored, who played a great game. Watching Pedri run 13.5 km, he played Pedri and Gavi. With Frenkie we have recovered the ball and now we are unbeatable”, he launched himself, euphoric.
And the president did not overlook those who do not want Barça to do well. “I also liked it because there were those who were hoping that we wouldn't do it. To win we have to be much better than the rest. It costs us a lot. We, the presidents of Barcelona, know this,” he explained, unable to avoid referring to the Vallecas refereeing. “I was surprised that they were talking about nonsense and not talking about the penalty against Raphinha and Lewandowski. There were two penalties. If it happens to Madrid, they will be grinding all week. It is not victimhood, it is just that it would have been like that,” he assured.
The president's eyes even turned red with emotion when analyzing the moments of renewal that Barcelona is experiencing. “We are privileged and that's why I get excited. I would ask Barcelona fans to enjoy it. These are events that will be remembered for decades. We have to be worthy of these moments. I ask that we live more united than ever in the face of adversity,” he advised.
According to Laporta, the goal is for Barça to reach “125 years as a respected, loved, recognized and remembered club in Catalonia and around the world,” before blowing out the candles on a cake.
In the logo presented, the numbers 125 form a ball in the center of the Barcelona shield. “The logo summarizes the centrality that we give to the ball,” explained Carabén, who in his manifesto proclaimed that “Barcelona has wanted the ball for 125 years. We love it because we do not give up on losing the initiative. “We want the ball to enjoy, to decide our future.” And after listing all the legends who have dressed as Blaugrana, including Mapi León, Putellas and Bonmatí, he proclaimed: “In a way, if you like football, you like Barça.”
