da heads bet： Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez has spoken out for the first time following the Catalan side's decision to sack him at the end of the season.
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Xavi reversed decision to leave BarcaManager to be sacked at end of seasonSpaniard speaks out after dismissalWHAT HAPPENED?
In late January, Xavi revealed he would step down as manager at the end of the 2023-24 campaign after "reaching a point of no return". However, an upturn in form led him to reverse his decision. But, exactly a month on from that news, the Spanish giants have decided to part ways with the 44-year-old – with Xavi set to take charge of his last game when Barca host Sevilla on Sunday. Now, he has broken his silence on the matter.
AdvertisementWHAT XAVI SAID
He wrote on Instagram: "Dear fans, my time on the Barça bench will end on Sunday. It's never easy to leave the club of your life, but I do it very proudly, after two and a half years at the head of a dressing room that has been like a second family. I want to thank the support and affection of the fans, who have always been by my side and have always shown me the same love as during my time as a footballer. From Sunday I will be one more culer (Barcelona supporter) in the stands, either now at the Olympic Stadium or in a few months at the Nou Camp. Because before I am a player or a coach, I am a Barcelona fan and I only want the best for the club of my life, which will always have me at its disposal.
"I have worked with a group of fantastic players and with a spectacular staff. Thanks to all of them, we have been achieving the objectives set, culminating last year with a League and a Super Cup. This season things didn't go as we wanted, but we put our heads together and helped grow a new generation of young footballers from La Masia who inspire all of us Barcelona fans. Many thanks to all. To the fans, the players, the staff, the club employees, the President, the Board of Directors, the sports directors, the media and everyone with whom I have shared the journey over these two and a half seasons. I wish the best to the club that I carry in my heart.
"Visca Barça."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Earlier this month, Xavi is said to have angered club president Joan Laporta after he spoke about Barca's financial struggles. As a result, former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick is set to succeed the ex-Spanish midfielder, with a phone call between the German and sporting director Deco reportedly proving to be decisive.
Getty imagesWHAT NEXT?
Xavi, who spent 24 years of his life as a player at Barcelona before joining Al Sadd in 2015, will now look for a new managerial job, perhaps after some time away from the game. This ends a two-and-a-half-year stint at Barca.