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Joan Laporta had 'the balls' to give Pep Guardiola his big break at Barcelona... and now he could be the man to convince Manchester City's boss to return and rekindle their ultra-intense partnership as he chases club presidency once again

Bringing Pep Guardiola back to Barcelona wouldn't be easy. But if anyone is capable of doing it then it's Joan Laporta, who has said he will stand for election as the club's president in 2021.

Twice in his career Guardiola left Barcelona feeling under-appreciated. First as a player in 2001, then as a coach in 2012.

Laporta was integral to him coming back the first time. He stood alongside him in 2007 when he was presented as the new Barca B coach charged with helping get the youth team out of the fourth tier.