Laporta: Pique would make an ideal Barcelona president Barcelona Wants to run himself

Joan Laporta has admitted that he's planning to run for Barcelona presidency again in the near future.

Laporta was in charge of the club between 2003 and 2010 and oversaw the most successful era in its history.

The next elections for the presidency of Barcelona will take place in 2021.

"I see myself as a candidate to become Barcelona president again," Laporta told RAC1.

"I don't see any candidates I like.

"There's still a bit of time, although I will present myself [as a candidate] six months before, I'm sure.

"I follow goings-on at Barcelona and I'm preparing a plan of action.

"I'm preparing a proposal for the future of the club."

Laporta also revealed that he'd like to see Gerard Pique follow him into office if he wins the election in 2021.

"If I [become president], it wouldn't be bad if Gerard Pique followed me as president because I see him as an ideal person," he explained.

"He knows the club, he's a Barcelona fan, he's a player, the best centre-back in the history of Barcelona, and he has character and the will to work. He's shown that he's ready."

The future of Lionel Messi is a top priority at the club these days and Laporta thinks the captain won't retire any time soon.

"I think we'll have Messi for a while yet," he said.

"He already knows [that he's nearing retirement] and he knows how to save himself to give the best performances.

"He shows this by playing deeper, it's what we all want.

"We always have to renew Leo's contract from an economic point of view because from a human and sporting point of view, he feels at ease."