Xavi Hernandez reflected on “an unbeatable way to bow out” as he marked his final match for Barcelona with victory in the Champions League final.
The midfielder – who will join Al Sadd later this summer – replaced Andres Iniesta for the last 13 minutes of La Blaugrana’s 3-1 win against Juventus in Berlin, which secured the side their second treble and a fifth European cup.
“It’s an unbeatable way to bow out. There are no words, I can’t ask for more,” he told Canal+.
“Achieving a Champions League and treble and leaving in this manner is amazing, spectacular even. We deserve it.
“I feel a bit of nostalgia, knowing I won’t play for this team again, but I’m really happy with how my career has gone. It’s an amazing ending.
“We suffered a lot because Juve put us under pressure in the second half with their goal.
“Mentally we struggled because we were level, but Leo [Messi] popped up again with a move to unbalance the game.
“The team were sensational and Messi was awesome again.
“[Luis Enrique] deserves it because he received a lot criticism at the beginning [of his reign] and has just continued to work. He deserves it because he’s been a great Coach for the team.
“Without doubt [Enrique should stay as Coach]. Both on a personal and sporting level, he’s the best man for next season.”
