Josep Maria Bartomeu has expressed his desire for Xavi Hernandez to remain at Barcelona next season following Sunday’s 6-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano.
The veteran midfielder has been linked with a summer transfer to either the United States or Qatar in recent weeks but impressed during La Blaugrana’s demolition of the capital outfit at Camp Nou, assisting Luis Suarez’s opening goal and providing the corner for Gerard Pique’s rebounded finish.
“It was an important game after Madrid’s defeat. The team came to win and succeeded despite Rayo playing very well,” the President said after the match.
“Their style is similar to ours. It’s good to be top [of La Liga], but there’s still a lot of the season to go. Madrid are a great team and tides are changing.
“Both teams are fighting for the title and I hope we stay first until the end of the season. We like the League to be lively, fun and competitive.
“Both teams are at the top and have very good squad, but things have changed a lot [recently] and first comes Eibar.
“There’s two more weeks until the Clasico, and before that we play Manchester City in the Champions League. [We hope] the joys [will come at] the end of season.
“[Sergio Busquets] will try to be back for Madrid. There are many games left and Busquets is very important to the club. Hopefully he recovers soon.
“Xavi’s a great player, who’s doing very well, and I hope he stays with us. He can do what he wants because he’s earned [that right].
“[Lionel] Messi’s the best player in the world. He’s surpassed [La Liga’s] hat-trick record and that says it all.”
