Laporta in fresh attack on Real Madrid

Thursday 18 June 2009 10:21 BST
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Barcelona president Joan Laporta has pledged to remain prudent in the transfer market after taking a fresh swipe at Real Madrid.

Laporta has suggested that his club's bitter rivals are not acting responsibility after spending a combined £130m on Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka already this close season.

"We have different cultures. We prefer to act with common sense and not spend more money than we have," said Laporta.

"Each person is free to do what they want with their money.

"But I think that our model is working well because it is a one built on a culture of work and effort."

Barcelona have yet to make a move in the transfer market following their league, cup and Champions League successes of last season.

Meanwhile, Luis Figo has warned Real Madrid not to expect success despite their major outlays so far this summer.

The ailing Spanish giants are attempting to rebuild following the return of Florentino Perez for a second spell as president.

The Portugal legend was a key part of the successful Galacticos era which Perez presided over during his first spell at the Bernabeu.

"The philosophy continues to be the same - to sign great players," he said. "I only hope that the on-field results accompany that.

"It's normal that you would always prefer to have the best players in the world, but this doesn't guarantee you success.

"You cannot buy success, although at this time Perez is buying everything he wants."

Elsewhere, Almeria have warned a host of reported suitors that Kalu Uche will only be leaving should they receive an offer that is too good to refuse.

Uche, 26, has been linked with Premier League clubs Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham plus a host of La Liga sides on the back of an impressive season in Spain.

"Uche is a key player in our team and the club are going to do anything to keep him," said technical secretary Alberto Benito.

"Only a very big offer could change our mind even if we would assess every aspect of the operation.

"For the moment, he is not going anywhere."

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