Laporta delighted with 'first trophy of a new era'

FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta, speaking after Barça had won the Copa del Rey for the 31^st time, said that “the players needed it. They played a great game of football and I’m happy for them, the coaches and the fans. The title has come just 41 days after the elections on March 7."

The team

“The players are very happy. They deserve to be. I hope this is the first of many more. They were at their best today, they dominated the first half and were very effective in the second."

“We played a great game of football. This team is a machine not just for playing football, but quality football too. The players put on a show, they looked very sure of themselves out there.”

Ronald Koeman

"Koeman and his team are doing a really good job. I’m very happy with all of them.”

Leo Messi

“Leo Messi is the best player in the world. I’m convinced he wants to stay and we’ll do all we can so he does stay with us. That’s what we all want most.”

“Leo loves Barça and Barça loves Leo. He knows we’ll do whatever we can for him to stay. Messi was spectacular once again today. He showed his class, the class of the best player in the world.”

Fair play

“I want to send a big hug to Athletic Club. They are very sporting and polite. It was honourable of them to stay behind and watch then trophy presentation.”