Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal believes Xavi Hernandez’s influence at the club is not just confined to the pitch.
The 35-year-old will play his final La Liga game this Saturday when Barca take on Deportivo la Coruna at the Camp Nou and Abidal, who retired from football last December, was full of praise for his ex-teammate.
“He’s a player with lots of experience and people said he would leave last year, but he decided to stay,” said the Frenchman in an interview with Cadena SER.
“I think he’s the most important player in the dressing room. I’m sure he hasn’t just been the link between the boss [Luis Enrique] and Leo [Messi], but between the boss and the rest of the players.
“He’s someone who knows how the club works, what big games are like, and the sort of talks that are required.
“He’s been immense for Barca, like [Carles] Puyol was, and is another emblematic player for them.
“He’s always been there and from a young age played at a level that exceeded all expectations. He’s still doing well now and is very professional
“This season he didn’t have as much influence as before because he played less, although every time he came on he made a difference, whether it was for 10 minutes or five.
“He deserves a tribute like no other player.”
Abidal was asked his thoughts on the Champions League final against Juventus in Berlin on June 6 and whether he felt Xavi would lift the trophy.
“He deserves that kind of send-off but in order to do that the game needs to be won first.
“Barca can achieve the lot, even win the treble, but that will also depend on winning the Copa del Rey final.
“I’d like to see Xavi lift that trophy,” he maintained.
