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Barcelona president Rosell: Blame me for travel fiasco

Barcelona president Sandro Rosell says he's to blame for the travel fiasco ahead of their victory at Osasuna.

Rosell, who succeeded Joan Laporta as Barca president this summer, has sent an open letter to the club's members and supporters assuming "full responsibility" for the situation.

The letter said: "We have been criticised for our lack of pre-vision and our communication strategy. In addition, our actions as a club in dealing with the problem have been questioned.

"I personally assume all responsibility for everything which happened before the game on Saturday.

"I had all the dealings with the RFEF and I accept full responsibility for everything that occurred as a result. I believed in the word of the Federation officials and of the representatives of AENA (national airport operator) and, despite my mistakes, I have always acted in the interests of Barca above all.

"We will draw our conclusions from this experience for the future.

"The members deposited their confidence in me to preside over the club and this enormous responsibility obliges me to be self critical for the good of the club.

"I accept and understand that my actions may be criticised, but I will not stand injustice. And it is unjust to accuse our executives and even our coach and the players of not wanting to travel to Pamplona unless it was by plane.

"That is absolutely untrue, unjust and unacceptable, since all the decisions in this matter were taken and/or authorised personally by me.

"The professional attitude and commitment with which our staff and players faced up to the journey and the game in Pamplona, is the only thing which they should be judged on. I only have words of thanks and pride for them."

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