Bittersweet farewell for outgoing Xavi

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.

The 35-year-old came on in the 78th minute to set a new record of 151 Champions League appearances in Barcelona’s 3-1 win over Juventus in the Berlin final.

Having been at the Catalan giants since he was 11, 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,” said the midfielder.

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.”

Having handed over his arm-band to Xavi and the privilege of being the first to lift the trophy, midfield partner Andres 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. 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 8^th,  2015.

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