Berlin : Record-breaker Xavi Hernandez says it will be ‘brutal’ to leave Barcelona after lifting the Champions League trophy on his final appearance in the famous shirt.
Having started at the Catalan giants as an 11-year-old, Xavi will join Qatari side Al Sadd next season. He admitted that leaving Barcelona will hit him hard having just won his 25th title with the club.
“To leave this way is brutal,” said the Spain international, who lost his place in the starting side to Ivan Rakitic this season. “I have a bit of nostalgia thinking I’m never going to play for this side again and I really wanted to lift the cup.”
Xavi said the best thing for Barcelona now is for Luis Enrique to stay on with the head coach having left his future open, despite winning the treble of European, cup and league titles in his debut season. “Luis Enrique deserves this because he’s had a lot of criticism, but he’s been a great leader for the side. The best thing for next year is for Luis Enrique to stay,” said Xavi.
Defender Gerard Pique said that Xavi was part of a ‘unique generation’ at Barcelona that has overcome seasons without a trophy as well as enjoyed triumphs. “Xavi deserves everything,” said Pique. “He is leaving us with an important legacy: how to play football and take on victory and defeat. He will always be with us.”
“I’m lost for words. It’s spectacular to win three trophies in a season once again,” said Barcelona captain Andreas Iniesta, who was replaced by Xavi, and was part of the 2009 treble-winning team.
Having handed over his arm-band to Xavi and the privilege of being the first to lift the trophy, Iniesta said it was only fitting for the club veteran to bow out on the big stage. “It is perfect for him and the club. There is no better send-off than lifting the Champions League,” said Iniesta. AFP
