"I love Steven Gerrard. He is an emblem of Liverpool. I was watching TV last weekend and saw a replay of the Champions League final between Liverpool and AC Milan," said Laporta.
"It was so emotional to watch Gerrard in that game. Xabi Alonso and the goalkeeper were important but Gerrard was the heart of the team.
"When he went to celebrate with the supporters after the match and to speak to them, I felt very emotional.
"Our captain, Carles Puyol, represents Barcelona in a similar way to Gerrard. He is always thinking of the team and giving to the team rather than his teammates. He is generous to his teammates and he is a fighter.
"The other player who is difficult for us to play against is Peter Crouch. He came to Barcelona on a visit and asked to see us play. Someone at the club thought he was a basketball player, but I told them 'No, he is a Liverpool player'.
"It is good for us that our defender, Rafael Marquez, is good with his head but we know Crouch is also a good finisher with his feet."