Barcelona manager Xavi has revealed that though he will be leaving the club at the end of the season, he has given all he can for the Blaugrana club to succeed, having put the club ahead of himself.

The former midfielder revealed his plans to leave the club on Saturday after the team’s pulsating 8-goal thriller against Villarreal, which the Yellow Submarines won 5-3. It was also a rude shock as it was barely 24 hours after Jurgen Klopp also told the football world he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

Xavi rejoined Barcelona as a manager in 2021 from Al Sadd, winning the La Liga and Spanish Super Cup a year later, which was his first full season. This season hasn’t been going well, although he managed to qualify from the group stage of the UEFA Champions League and can still mathematically win La Liga.

The 44-year-old says winning either of those competitions will not change his decision to leave.

“I’ve been a man of the club. I’ve prioritized it above even myself. I’ve given everything I have. And I will continue to do so to make the fans feel proud. I think the club needs a change of dynamic. For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension. In Barcelona, you always feel like you’re not valued, you’re mistreated – that’s how the club works. From a mental health level, it’s tough, too. I am a positive guy, but the battery levels keep running out – and at some point, you realise there’s no point in staying.” Xavi said.

Xavi explained that he is not driven by financial matters, but by heart and that his exit is the best thing for the club. He also explained that he doesn’t want to be a problem but a solution to Barcelona’s problems.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu