Xavi Hernandez to leave Barcelona this summer, father confirms

Posted Wednesday, May 20, 2015 by ESPN

Xavi Hernandez to leave Barcelona this summer, father confirms
Xavi clinched his eighth La Liga title with Barcelona at the weekend.

Barcelona midfielder Xavi will end his long association with the Catalan giants at the end of the season, according to his father.

Xavi joined the club's famous La Masia youth system at the age of 11 and has developed into a central figure in a glorious era for them.

He won his eighth Primera Division winners' medal at the weekend and will be bidding for his fourth in the Champions League when Barca face Juventus in the final next month.

That match in Berlin on June 6 could be Xavi's last in the Blaugrana colours ahead of a reported move to Qatari club Al Sadd, having lost his regular starting place to Ivan Rakitic this season.

AS has reported that Xavi will announce the Al Sadd move at a news conference on Thursday, and the player's father, Joaquin Hernandez, told Cope Radio: "His ultimate dream would have been to finish his football career here [at Barca], but he is 35 years old and I think there comes a time to say 'enough' to the club.

"He was very fortunate to receive a truly impressive offer that allows him to continue to play football, to prepare as a future coach and rest a little."

Barca's final match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna this Saturday is therefore likely to be Xavi's last at the Camp Nou.

Fellow Barca midfielder Andres Iniesta paid tribute to Xavi on Tuesday, saying: "I am out of compliments. I will not find anyone at the stature of what he represents as a person and a player.

"The figures, the years, the feelings, his way of doing things are beyond any words. He is a unique player, unrepeatable and has been fundamental at the club and with the national team.

"It is a true pleasure and privilege to have had my entire career at his side."