Against all odds and countless financial challenges, Joan Laporta is still standing, smiling, as Barcelona's club president. Underestimate him, and the club, at your peril.

There has been much talk in the last few hours about this player's departure and it seems that there are quite a few possibilities of seeing him leave.

The shield remains untarnished. I am used to receiving criticism. I have normalized it. I am also used to experiencing actions that exceed all ethical codes. Any attempt to discredit the club will be fought.