BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona president Joan Laporta has announced that he is recuperating from a heart issue after being hospitalized.
The 64-year-old Laporta was scheduled to travel to England this week for Barça’s preseason activities, but those plans were altered following the detection of an arrhythmia.
On Tuesday, he underwent a successful procedure at a hospital in Barcelona, which he stated has restored his heart’s normal rhythm.
“Everything went well,” Laporta shared on social media. “My arrhythmia has been corrected, and my heart is now beating regularly again.”
“I am incredibly grateful to the exceptional doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals at the Hospital de Barcelona, particularly Dr. Jordi Morillas, for their excellent care.”
“I also want to acknowledge Barça’s medical team, led by Dr. Xavier Corbella, and my chief of staff, Manana Giorgadze, for their efficient coordination of my care.”
“Additionally, I appreciate the guidance from Dr. Valentí Fuster and his team at Mount Sinai, which reassured me, as well as Dr. Brugada for suggesting the appropriate procedure to address the arrhythmia.”
Earlier this month, Laporta attended several matches in the United States as Spain celebrated their World Cup victory, including the final held in New Jersey last weekend.
He was expected to join the Barça squad training in England this week ahead of a friendly match against Birmingham City on Friday. However, he has been advised against traveling and is focusing on his recovery.
This marks Laporta’s second term as president, having previously served from 2003 to 2010 before returning in 2021. Earlier this year, he was re-elected for another term, extending his presidency until 2031.