After 20 years of playing with the club that he grew up with, Xavi will play his last game of his career with FC Barcelona when the team faces Juventus in the Champions League final. The iconic midfielder has announced that once this season is over, he will move out of Barcelona to open a new chapter of his life in Qatar.
"I would like to confirm and announce my exit from Barça. I think it's time to go, to have a change of scene. I have an exciting project in Qatar."
Xavi will join Al Saad in a two-year contract starting this summer. After that, his plan is to take coaching and sports managing lessons at the Aspire Academy. At the age of 35, he has learned everything he knows about soccer from Barcelona.
Luis Enrique was crucial to having him stay one more season
"I thank Luis Enrique for getting me to come back last summer, when I had already told him I was leaving," says Xavi #FCBlive #6raciesXavi
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 21, 2015
"I would like to thank the club that has trusted me for so long. In these last few
Xavi made his senior team debut in 1998 and has won several titles with the club. After a disappointing 2013-2014 season, he was tempted to leave but felt he still had more to give. Now, if everything goes as planned, Xavi will have won a treble with the club on his final season.
"Last summer was perhaps too soon. I had two great disappointments," Xavi claimed. "I don't have the minutes that I'd like; I don't feel like I did before. It's time."
He still has some things left to do
"What haven't I done? Scored a hat-trick or a bicycle kick. I still have some time," jokes Xavi #FCBlive #6raciesXavi
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) May 21, 2015
Xavi has played in 30 La Liga games this season and in most games Luis Enrique had decided to get him out before the game is over. He will play his last two games at home in the La Liga finale and then against Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Cup. In his trip to Berlin, he could earn his fourth Champions League title with the club.
"For me, Barça is the best club in the world. I have been very happy here. I think I get on with everybody; I don't have any enemies in the world of football," he ended.
Some people thank Xavi for all he has done for Barcelona
Xavi leaves to return to Barça. He'll be unforgettable. #6raciesXavi pic.twitter.com/YB9sb6o9lP
— Josep Maria Bartomeu (@jmbartomeu) May 21, 2015
"Xavi is one of the best midfielders in the last decade because he changed how to play Football." - Gerard Piqué
— Marie-Anne Afif (@AddictedToBarca) May 21, 2015
WATCH: Barcelona created a tribute video for Xavi
