Deco responds after Victor Font threatens to axe him as Barcelona sporting director

Barcelona sporting director Deco has broken his silence after presidential candidate Víctor Font declared he would not retain the former Portugal international if elected next month. Speaking to Sport, Deco made it clear that his own future at the club is inseparable from that of incumbent president Joan Laporta.

“I don’t want to get into these things. I came here because I believe in Joan’s project, which was about rebuilding, and if I’m staying, it’s because I believe in Joan’s project, which is now about consolidation,” Deco said. “Surely, if Joan isn’t here, things will change, and therefore I won’t continue.”

The 46-year-old emphasized that his stance is not a reaction to any individual challenger. “It’s not about Víctor Font or anyone else. It’s about what I believe in and my personal life. If something doesn’t fit with my personal life, I’ll leave, that’s it. I have the freedom to choose. I’m not bound by this.”

Deco, who returned to the club in a technical role before being promoted to sporting director, reiterated that his decision to join was rooted in loyalty to Laporta’s vision. “I came here because of an idea, because I’m a Barça fan and I wanted to help. I believed I could contribute to Laporta’s project.”

With elections looming, the stability of the football operation hangs in the balance. Sources close to the first-team staff indicate that coach Hansi Flick’s continuity could also hinge on the outcome, adding another layer of uncertainty to a pivotal offseason at the Camp Nou.