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Two surprising Barcelona players 'burst into tears' when Xavi announced his exit

Home> Football> La Liga> FC Barcelona

Published 11:41 29 Jan 2024 GMT

Two surprising Barcelona players 'burst into tears' when Xavi announced his exit

Xavi delivered an emotional speech in the dressing room.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

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Two Barcelona stars burst into tears in the dressing room when Xavi announced his decision to step down as manager.

Xavi, who took charge of the club in November 2021, will leave his position at the end of the season, with one player asking him to reconsider his decision.

The 44-year-old inspired Barca to the La Liga title in the 2022/23 season in what was his first full season in charge.

But with the Catalan giants 11 points adrift of league leaders Girona, Xavi has decided to leave the club at the end of the season.

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On Sunday, he delivered a speech in the dressing room where he communicated his decision to the players.

According to local outlet 3Cat, Joao Cancelo and Robert Lewandowski burst into tears following Xavi's speech.

Cancelo and Lewandowski were both signed by Xavi.

Captain Sergi Roberto also addressed the squad as he asked for commitment until the end of the season.

On his decision to step down as Barca manager, Xavi said: "I've been a man of the club. I've prioritised it above even myself. I've given everything I have.

"And I will continue to do so to make the fans feel proud."

Xavi on the touchline during Barcelona's game against Villarreal. Image: Getty
Xavi on the touchline during Barcelona's game against Villarreal. Image: Getty

Xavi won an impressive 25 honours during his trophy-laden spell at Barca as a player and will leave his post on June 30 despite having a year left on his deal.

He added: "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.

"For the good of the board of directors, it is best that I leave. I will give my best. I think all of that will help the dynamic change. This is the message I would like to give. I think I am doing the right thing."

Barca lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal last weekend as they occupy fourth spot in the league.

They return to action on Wednesday against Osasuna.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Xavi, Barcelona, Football, Robert Lewandowski, Joao Cancelo

Nasir Jabbar
Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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@NasJabbar

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