Barcelona Record Breaker Xavi have said it will be tough to leave Barcelona after lifting the Champions League trophy on his final appearance in the famous strip.
Xavi came on in the 78th minute to set a new record of 151 Champions League appearances in Barcelona's 3-1 win over Juventus in the final in Berlin which was the fourth time he had won European club football's most prestigious trophy.
The 35-year-old started playing at the Catalan giants when he was 11, Xavi will join Qatari side Al Sadd next season.
He admitted that leaving Barcelona will hit him hard having won his 25th title with the club.
But Xavi says Barcelona's superstar Lionel Messi made the difference as his brilliant run led to Luis Suarez making it 2-1 to the Spaniards in the second-half before Neymar scored their third at the death.
 |
Barcelona legend Xavi holds a can of beer as he waves to the vocal Barcelona crowds |
"We suffered a lot, because Juve put pressure on us, but Leo [Messi] popped up again."To leave this way is amazing, but I have a bit of nostalgia thinking I'm never going to play for this side again and I really wanted to lift the cup," said Xavi, who lost his place in the starting side to Rakitic this season.
Xavi said the best thing for Barcelona now is for Luis Enrique to stay on with the head coach having left his future open, despite winning the treble of European, cup and league titles in his debut season.
 |
(From left to right) The Copa del Rey, Champions League and La Liga trophies proudly sit on top deck |
"Luis Enrique deserves this because he's had a lot of criticism, but he's been a great leader for the side. The best thing for next year is for Luis Enrique to stay," said Xavi.
"Xavi deserves everything," said Pique.Defender Gerard Pique said that Xavi was part of a "unique generation" at Barcelona that has overcome seasons without a trophy as well as enjoyed triumphs.
"He is leaving us with an important legacy: how to play football and take on victory and defeat. He will always be with us."
 |
Argentinian forward Lionel Messi addresses the fans after guiding his team to their second treble |
This was the fifth time Barcelona have been crowned European champions and it is their fourth Champions League title in the last decade after their 2006, 2009 and 2011 triumphs.
"I'm lost for words. It's spectacular to win three trophies in a season once again," said Barcelona captain Andreas Iniesta, who was replaced by Xavi, and was part of the 2009 treble-winning team.
"I think there's not enough words to express how proud we are.
Credits:
Photos: AFP, EPA, Getty Images, AP, Daily Mail
Story: Mike Ikenwa (The Bloom Gist, Nigeria), Rachel Jones & Abilio Adalberto (The Bloom Gist, Spain)
