May 21st, 2015 was a normal day like any other for most of the world but it was an emotional one in the soccer world, especially for Spanish team FC Barcelona. A press conference was held at the Camp Nou and sitting there was Xavi Hernandez. The world of soccer awaited for his announcement, some knowing (and dreading) what was coming from the Barcelona captain. As he sat on that chair, an emotional Xavi announced that his time at Barcelona was coming to an end. After 24 years of being at Barcelona, he knew that it was time to move on.
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“I’d like to announce that I’m leaving Barca after this season,” Xavi said. “It’s going to be tough for me not wearing the Barca shirt.” And with those words, Xavi confirmed that he was bringing down the curtains on his amazing career at the Catalan team.
Xavi then announced that he would be joining Qatar team Al-Sadd in the summer on a three-year contract. His contract involves him becoming an ambassador for the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar and he will also start his coaching career.
Xavi joined Barcelona back in 1991, when he was just 11 years old. Entering the academy, Barcelona knew they would have a star in Xavi and taught him the tactics and technique of what it is to be a Barcelona player. He spent six years in the Academy and made his first team appearance in a friendly against Southampton back in the summer of 1998. He made his first team debut in the Spanish Super Cup and made his first La Liga appearance against Valencia in which he saw his team take a 3-1 win.
Throughout the years, Xavi grew up to become one of Barcelona’s best midfielders and played along many other great players in his 17 years with Barcelona’s senior team. One particular relationship that Xavi has praised has been with fellow Spanish international player Andres Iniesta for both club and country. Xavi had the privilege to spend his entire career at his side and says that he will not find anyone of the stature of what Iniesta represents as a person and player. “He is a unique player, unrepeatable, and has been fundamental at the club and with the national team.”
Xavi also made a total of 133 international appearances, a record for a Spanish outfield player, and had the privilege to win the 2010 FIFA World Cup along with the 2008 and 2012 European Championship. He announced his retirement from international soccer after exiting the 2014 World Cup in the group stage.
Throughout his 17 seasons at Barcelona, Xavi played a part in winning 23 titles with the club. 8 La Liga titles, 6 Spanish Super Cups, 3 Champions League titles, 2 Spanish Cups, 2 European Super Cups, and 2 FIFA Club World Cup titles were all won with him as part of the lineup. The final league season of his Barcelona career ended up with his helping secure the 23rd La Liga title for Barcelona, and they still have a chance to win the treble when they face Athletic Blibao on May 30 for the Spanish Copa del Rey and the Champions League title when they face Juventus FC on June 6th.
Xavi also broke many records through the 24 years at Barcelona. Xavi made 764 official appearances for Barcelona, and had 866 overall – the most by any Barcelona player. The 504 La Liga games he took part in are the most by any Barcelona or Spanish player. As a goalscorer, he netted 85 goals in his 17-year tenure at Barcelona and hopes to add one or two more before his time at FC Barcelona ends on June 6th.
Asked during the press conference what was something he has never done during his time at Barcelona, he said “Not scoring a hat-trick or a bicycle kick… but I still have time.” He will have a chance to end his career by adding two more titles and will hope to walk away this season on a high note.
The final moment as a Barcelona player in front of the Nou Camp came in the 86th minute, when manager Tata Martino substituted Xavi off so that he could have his own personal salute from the crowd.
Xavi's substitution in his final league game… by fcbarcelona
Xavi will always be remembered by many and will never be forgotten for the amazing things he brought to Barcelona and his way of playing in the midfield position.
6RACIESXAVI is how Barcelona fans thanked what Xavi will be known as a LEGEND.