Joan Laporta, the former president of FC Barcelona, was present today at the Joan Gamper Sports City after officially submitting his resignation to run for re-election in the elections scheduled for March 15th.

According to the Spanish newspaper "Mundo Deportivo," Laporta went to the team's training headquarters, accompanied by Endrick Masip, his advisor during the last years of his term, to bid farewell to head coach Hans Flick, the first team players, and sporting director Deco.

Laporta and nine other members of his board had submitted their resignations, in accordance with the club's regulations, with the aim of running again in the elections. The former president was keen to demonstrate his closeness to the dressing room and the coaching staff.

Before submitting his resignation, and during an extensive interview with the club's official media, Laporta praised the joint work between Hans Flick and Deco, affirming the exemplary stability and coordination between the German coach and the sporting director over the past two years, relying on a mix of academy players and external signings.

Laporta's visit took place before the first team's training session in preparation for facing Atletico Madrid next Thursday in the first leg of the Spanish King's Cup semi-final. The former president also made sure to bid farewell to the other professional departments of FC Barcelona and to be present with their officials and players.