Barcelona president Joan Laporta paid tribute to Mateu Alemany during yesterday's presentation of new sporting director Deco.
After turning down Aston Villa at the end of last season, Alemany appeared set to stay with Barca, but he eventually left to be replaced by Deco.
Laporta said: "I would like to thank Mateu Alemany for the good work he has done in two and a half years as the head of football.
"He has successfully managed a very complicated situation we inherited. He has done it with many obstacles and he has come out of it with flying colours, excellent. He has had the ability to build a sporting project. He is intelligent, an excellent professional and a great person.
"Wherever he goes, they will be lucky. We have a good relationship forever and the doors will be open to him as long as I am president."