Josep Maria Bartomeu has vowed to make La Masia “the future” of Barcelona after pledging more “investment into grassroots football”.
Barca have been accused of neglecting La Masia in recent years, with Marc Bartra, Sergi Roberto and – to a lesser extent – Munir El Haddadi the only graduates to have established themselves under Luis Enrique, but Bartomeu insists his club remain committed to bringing youth talent through.
“The future of this club will be built on the strength of La Masia and we’ll continue investing in grassroots football,” the President was quoted as saying by Marca.
“I also want to applaud all the children who are at home today instead of being here. [The FIFA ban] was disproportionate.”
