Barcelona and Osasuna postponed their match 20 minutes before kick-off (Image: Getty)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has shed light on the sudden death of first-team doctor Carles Minarro Garcia. La Blaugrana and Osasuna agreed to postpone their La Liga match on Saturday night, just hours after Garcia’s passing at the team hotel.
Garcia was a prominent member of the Barcelona medical department and had been with the club for almost eight years. Reports indicate that he was found dead in his room at the Hoten Melina Gran Melia, where the team had been staying prior to their scheduled meeting with Osasuna.
Laporta has now confirmed that the incident was ‘sudden’, Garcia’s loved ones have been informed, and the news has had a profound effect on everyone associated with the club.
“A man very much loved by everyone passed away this afternoon during the team’s gathering at the hotel,” Laporta told Barcelona’s official website. “As you can imagine, the players, the coaching staff, the coach, everyone was very sad.
“There was an overwhelming sense of sadness because he was a very beloved person. We all loved him. He travelled to every match to take care of the players, the coaching staff, anyone. He never said no to anyone. It is very sad what happened.
“It has left us devastated, in a state of shock, because it was so sudden. We got in touch with his mother and his wife to offer our condolences and support. We wanted them to know immediately. Carles leaves behind two children. His wife, as you can imagine, was also deeply affected.”
Laporta explained that the players were also saddened by the news, which was partly why Barcelona pushed to have the match postponed. The message was relayed to supporters who had already started gathering at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium via a message on the big screens.
Laporta also extended his gratitude to Osasuna and La Liga for showing understanding of their situation. “This must make us strong in moments of sorrow and pain,” he said. “I believe the best decision was to request a postponement.
“We immediately contacted the president of La Liga to explain the situation. He understood perfectly. We received the utmost understanding from Osasuna. I want to express my gratitude to them.”
Barcelona are next scheduled to be back in action at home to Benfica in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday. La Liga bosses have confirmed that a rearranged date for the Osasuna game will be announced soon.
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