Guardiola hails Laporta's return to Barcelona
Pep Guardiola has congratulated Joan Laporta on his election as Barcelona president and believes he will bring the feel-good factor back to Camp Nou.
Laporta was previously Barca president between 2003 and 2010, a spell that included hiring Guardiola to be head coach in 2008, starting an extraordinary run of success.
He has now returned to the role following a landslide election win over rivals Victor Font and Toni Freixa on Monday.
One of his first points of business will be resolving the future of Lionel Messi, who has been strongly linked with a reunion with Guardiola at Manchester City, as well as Paris Saint-Germain.
Guardiola praised Laporta for his convincing win and believes his impact will be felt promptly.
"All I can say is that it was a lovely journey," said Guardiola when he was asked about Barca's election.
"All three options were there, they did a good job and I congratulate the president to be elected by a big margin.
"I'm pretty sure his personality will introduce a good mood, a lot of optimism in the club and all the country.
"I wish him all the best for the season and the next seasons."
Guardiola won three LaLiga trophies and two Champions League titles in four seasons in charge of Barcelona, who are presently managed by Ronald Koeman.
Barca, like City, is in the Champions League last 16 but the Catalans face an uphill task to progress as they trail PSG 4-1 on aggregate.
It will play in Paris almost immediately after Guardiola and City - which is looking to bounce back from defeat to Manchester United - has hosted Southampton in the Premier League on Thursday (AEDT).
