Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez pens farewell letter to fans

Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has thanked the club for his tow and a half years in charge as manager, including the board of directors, sporting directors and President Joan Laporta, who ultimately ended his spell at the club just a month after they placed their confidence in him.

Xavi ends his spell in charge with a Spanish Supercup and La Liga title to his name, having taken over the side in 9th place. During his time he also handed debuts to 18 players in the first team.

After Laporta reportedly reacted poorly to his words in a press conference, his existing doubts over Xavi grew, and a decision was taken to sack him. That speculation lasted for a full week though, before Xavi was informed of the decision, and it was made public.

German coach Hansi Flick is expected to take over at the club, having reportedly agreed a deal for the next two years. His signing will likely take place next week.

Full letter below:

“Dear friends, on Sunday my stage on the bench of Barca will end. It’s never easy to leave the club of your life, but I’m very proud, 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 fans for the support and affection, who have always been by my side and have shown me the same love at all times as in my footballing stage.”

“From Sunday I will be one more fan in the stands, either now at the Olympic Stadium or in a few months at the New Camp Nou. Because before I was a player or a coach, I am a Barcelona fan and I only want the best for the club of my life”

“Worked with a great group of players and an awesome staff. Thanks to all of them we have been achieving the proposed objectives, culminating last year with a League and a Super Cup. This season things haven’t gone as we wanted, but we’ve let it go and helped grow a new generation of young footballers from La Masia that inspire all Barcelona fans”

“Thank you very much to all. To the fans, the players, the staff, the club employees, the President, the Board of Directors, the sporting 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. Long live Barca”.