Barca better off without Beckham, says Laporta
Laporta promised to buy the England captain if he was elected as the head of the Catalan club during a stormy presidential campaign in June.
But he lost out to arch rivals Real Madrid, who paid more than 36 million for the 28-year-old.
However, Laporta said yesterday that the club's fans are happier with Brazilian star Ronaldinho, who moved to the Nou Camp from Paris St Germain.
"Beckham is a great player and I believe Barcelona was a better place for him than Madrid but I respect his decision," Laporta said.
"I respect the way Beckham conducts his affairs but also know that Catalans prefer the way Ronaldinho plays and lives his life in our city.
"However, we've had luck in signing Ronaldinho instead who is a magic player and will become the leader of our club."
Laporta also dismissed suggestions his presidency has been damaged by his failure to sign Beckham and insists he did not dupe Barca's members into electing him with a pledge he could not deliver.
"The fans prefer Ronaldinho. My plan was to bring either him, Thierry Henry or David Beckham to the Nou Camp," he added.
"In the end we got our man and the supporters are very happy because they can see the media show which surrounds Beckham in Madrid. I have no regrets whatsoever."
Meanwhile, Manchester United have reached agreement with Real Madrid to receive 16 million of the transfer fee for David Beckham in a lump sum yesterday.
United were originally due to receive a €17.5 million payment in equal instalments over four years but will now receive the money up front.
The English Premiership champions have already received €7.25 million of the total transfer fee with the rest being subject to Real Madrid's performances in the Champions League.
Under the deal, the club will collect €1.25 million each time Real qualify for the Champions League over the next four seasons.
The same amount is also payable if the Spanish club go on to reach the quarter-finals of the competition in those seasons.
United and Real reached agreement over the sale of England captain Beckham in June.
The new terms will see United receive €1.5 million less than originally agreed but allow them to bank the money immediately.
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