Laporta: The Champions League was won by Ramos and the Liverpool goalkeeper LaLiga - Barcelona Former president is full of praise for Zidane

This Wednesday, Joan Laporta was named as one of the new patrons for the Johan Cruyff Foundation, and he took the time out to talk about the latest football news, including the Champions League final.

Like Pep Guardiola, he was full of praise for Zinedine Zidane.

"Pep's Barcelona were better, they defined an era," he said to reporters.

"If we talk about titles, Barcelona had a perfect season winning everything, but Zidane is a coach who knows his players very well and motivates them.

"He's on the right track and is doing very well, beyond Ramos and the Liverpool goalkeeper, who had an unhappy afternoon."

When Laporta was president, there were many youngsters from La Masia being promoted from the first team, but that's a production line that's all but stopped now.

"It really saddens me," he continued.

"First team players should be able to teach the homegrown players and that should be encouraged, to help bring them through.

"Deco taught Xavi and Iniesta, Pique had great teachers such as Marquez or Puyol, Ronaldhino sponsored Messi..."

Though it might surprise many, Laporta had words of support for his former friend, and disgraced former president, Sandro Rosell.

"His treatment seems disproportionate," he added.

"It's hard for him to continue in prison, it's very sad.

"I think of his family, his wife, his daughters..."