Laporta: 'Barça is the greatest multi-sports club in the world'

"Barça is the best multi-sports club in the world. We can say that with our mouths full of pride, with no doubts and assuredly certified by history. Few clubs in the world can boast six professional teams (men's football, women's football, basketball, handball, roller hockey and futsal), but what is certain is that none have won 43 European Cups, of which 37 have been won by the Palau Blaugrana sections. Each of these, from the first European Cup in club history won by the roller hockey section in the 1972/73 season, to the last, the European Handball Champions League won last year, are indebted to the Palau Blaugrana. Because at the Palau, Barça's multisport pride has been forged, which is part of the essence of being 'more than a club'.

The Palau is 50 years old but it has kept the magic of a venue that has witnessed so many epic nights, that has sensed the dedication of hundreds of athletes who have defended the Barça colours and that has felt the passion of tireless, faithful supporters represented by the Palau groups (Dracs, Sang Culé, PB Meritxell and PB El Racó, among others), an unmistakable name and a hallmark of distinction.

The Palau is no longer the pavilion that it was in 1971, when it was a symbol of modernity, with its mesmerising dome, and when it was the first in Europe to have an overhead electronic scoreboard, which was a benchmark in innovation, not to mention its heating system and octagonal electric lighting. But the atmosphere that it generates, and the very special chemistry between the fans and the players, remains unique.

The Palau no longer has the best facilities, the best visibility, the best services, but it still gives 'bumpgooses', as the great Johan Cruyff would say, and this will be one of the great challenges ahead when we start to build the new Palau Blaugrana: to keep the magic, the warmth, this unique atmosphere that has contributed to so many epic comebacks, so many baskets, goals and impossible saves.

The Palau has given us a lot, and now, when it has reached half a century of existence and is living the final years of its existence, we Culers must thank it for everything it has given us. Throughout this year, the club will be paying tribute to it, we will be paying attention to it, and I ask Barça fans to come to the Palau now that we can fill sports venues without restrictions. Because, without the crowd and the fans, the magic loses all its power."

Joan Laporta i Estruch
President of FC Barcelona