Joan Laporta: Barca will keep defending Catalonia's values

This morning, FC Barcelona conducted the traditional floral tribute at the monument of Rafael Casanova as part of the institutional event for the National Day of Catalonia (Diada). The Blaugrana delegation, led by the club's president, carried out the customary gesture in the Catalan capital.

Accompanied by several members of the board, as well as Alexia Putellas, Oriol Romeu, and other coaches and players from FC Barcelona's professional teams, Joan Laporta received a warm reception, though he refrained from commenting when asked about Luis Rubiales' resignation as president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF).

However, Laporta delivered a speech emphasizing the "defence of the rights and freedoms of Catalonia," stating that it is the club's "duty" to remain "faithful to our history and foundational principles that explain why we are 'more than a club.'"

"FC Barcelona, as a deeply democratic institution, has the honour to be present at the offering to the monument of Rafael Casanova. It is a tradition that Barcelona has participated in for over 100 years when circumstances have allowed it," began the Barcelona president in his speech.

"Whether in times of democracy or in the darkness of dictatorship, Barcelona has stood up for the rights and freedoms of Catalonia, and we will continue to do so. We have this duty, to be faithful to our history and our foundational principles that explain why we are 'more than a club,'" he continued.

Finally, Laporta announced that FC Barcelona would show solidarity with the victims and families affected by the earthquake in Morocco and that "through the FC Barcelona Foundation, we will provide support for humanitarian relief efforts."