The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, has defended the commitment of Andrés Iniesta to the club and categorically denied reports linking the young midfielder to one of the candidates in the Real Madrid presidential elections.


Jose Antonio Camacho, working for unsuccessful candidate Juan Palacios in Real Madrid´s presidential elections, claimed during the election campaign that he had an agreement with Andres Iniesta´s father that the player would join Real Madrid, should Palacios win the election.


While Leo Messi and his father emmidiately and always categorically denied any rumours during the election campaign, Andres Iniesta only denied any agreement with Real Madrid after the elections but confirmed that he was approached.


Joan Laporta spoke to reporters yesterday and has strongly defended the young Barca midfielder: "He's an extraordinarily gifted player and an exceptional person. He's shy and reserved and he's been the victim of an election process. In my opinion it was just a story. He has categorically denied it and I'm proud to have him in the club. He's a reference point and an example of the players that have made it to the first team and that can have an unstoppable sporting career. He can be one of the leaders of Barca, if he isn't already".


However, it is rumoured that the Barca board was not happy with the Real Madrid saga and therefore delays any contract negotiations for an an extension on improved terms.


Barca´s president Laporta stated diplomatically that there is no need to improve Iniesta's contract at this point of time: "We gave him a new contract a year ago and both sides are comfortable with that. We're convinced his footballing progress will be very good and Barca will always be fair. The club wants Iniesta to stay for many years".