Deco Breaks Silence on Barcelona Future: ‘I’m Not a Prisoner, I Choose My Path’

The race to lead FC Barcelona is heating up. Big names are speaking. Strong words are being said. And now, the club’s sporting director, Deco, has stepped forward to share his side of the story. After presidential hopeful Victor Font said Deco would not continue if he wins the election, Deco has made one thing very clear. He is not stuck. He is not trapped. He is free to choose his future.

In a calm yet firm interview with SPORT, Deco discussed trust, loyalty, and his work with current president Joan Laporta. His message was simple. He came for a project he believed in. And if that project changes, so might he.

Barcelona’s Election Battle Begins

Barcelona is not just a football club. It is a symbol for millions of fans worldwide. When the conversation begins about a new president, people pay attention.

Victor Font, one of the early candidates for the presidency, recently made a bold statement. He said that if he becomes president, Deco will not continue as sporting director. That comment quickly grabbed headlines.

The relationship between Deco and Font has not been smooth. Not long ago, they were involved in a legal dispute. It followed comments Font made about the club’s signing of Vitor Roque. That moment created tension. Now, with elections approaching, the spotlight is back on both men.

However, Deco did not respond angrily. He responded with clarity.

Deco Speaks: “I Have the Freedom to Choose”

In his interview, Deco made his position clear. He did not attack Font. He did not create drama. Instead, he explained why he joined Barcelona’s management in the first place.

He said he came to the club because he believed in Joan Laporta’s vision. Laporta’s first goal was to rebuild the team. The focus now is on strengthening and stabilizing the club.

Deco said he stays because he still believes in that plan.

But he also said something important. If Laporta is no longer president, things will change. If circumstances change in a way that does not fit his life, he will leave.

“It’s not about Victor Font or anyone else,” Deco said. “It’s about what I believe in and my personal life.”

Those words were strong but simple. Deco wanted fans to understand that he is not tied to the job at any cost. He chose to come. He can choose to go.

“I have the freedom to choose,” he said. “I’m not a prisoner.”

Loyalty to Laporta’s Project

Deco’s respect for Joan Laporta was clear throughout the interview.

Laporta signed Deco as a player during his first time as president. Years later, he brought him back as sporting director. That history matters.

Deco said he trusts Laporta because he has seen him build winning teams before. He believes the current president understands football deeply.

Working with a president is not always easy. Big clubs face pressure every day. Fans want wins. The media wants answers. Coaches want support. Players want trust.

Deco said he has freedom in his job. But he does not act alone. He respects Laporta’s view. He consults him before making major decisions.

“I have freedom,” Deco explained. “But I don’t do anything without the president’s knowledge.”

That line shows balance. Deco feels trusted. Yet he knows the president has the final say on major matters.

Building a Winning Squad

Being a sporting director is not simple. The job includes planning transfers, speaking with agents, working with the coach, and thinking about the future.

Deco admitted that managing the sporting side of a club can be tough. Coaches often change. Pressure never stops.

He pointed out that very few coaches stay longer than five years. That means plans must adapt. The team must grow even when leaders change.

Deco believes he and his team have helped rebuild Barcelona’s squad. The club faced financial problems in recent years. It had to make smart moves. It had to trust young players. It had to spend carefully.

Now, Barcelona looks stronger. There is more balance. There is more hope.

That progress, Deco says, has built trust between him and Laporta.

Trust is important in football. Without it, decisions become harder. With it, people work better together.

Listening to Experience

One of the strongest parts of Deco’s interview was when he spoke about Laporta’s history.

He reminded people that Laporta worked with some of the greatest names in football. Players like Ronaldinho, Xavi, Messi, and Iniesta achieved huge success during Laporta’s time.

Deco’s message was clear. A president who has lived through those winning years understands what it takes to succeed.

He also mentioned Pinto Da Costa, the long-time president of FC Porto, as someone who knew football deeply. Deco’s point was simple. Leaders who love the game and study it closely bring value.

He said that while the president does not handle daily tasks, his opinion matters. If there is disagreement, strong arguments should determine the outcome.

“If he’s wrong, we have to convince him with compelling arguments,” Deco said.

That sentence shows teamwork. It shows respect. It shows dialogue.

What Happens Next?

The big question now is simple. What happens if Victor Font wins the election?

Deco did not fully close the door. But he made it clear that his future depends on belief. If the new project aligns with his ideas and lifestyle, he may stay. If not, he will walk away calmly.

There was no anger in his words. No fear. Just honesty.

He came to help Barcelona. He feels proud of that. And he believes he has contributed to rebuilding the team.

But he also knows football changes fast. Presidents come and go. Coaches change. Players move.

Ultimately, every professional must decide what feels right.

A Club at a Crossroads

Barcelona stands at an important moment. The club is rebuilding. Young players are rising. The stadium project continues. Financial recovery remains a focus.

Leadership will shape the next chapter.

Deco’s interview reminds fans that behind the headlines are real people. People with families. People with beliefs. People who choose their path.

He joined because he believed in Laporta’s idea. He stayed because he still believes.

If that belief fades, he will move on.

And he will do so freely.

Final Thoughts

Deco’s message was calm but powerful. He did not fight words with words. He spoke about values. He spoke about trust. He spoke about choice.

In football, emotions run high. Elections bring noise. Rumors spread quickly.

But Deco’s statement cuts through the noise.

He is not a prisoner. He is not tied down.

He is a former Barcelona player who remains loyal to the club. He is a director who believes in a project. He is a man who knows he can shape his own future.

As Barcelona’s election race grows stronger, one thing is certain. The story is far from over.

And fans will be watching every move.