Xavi Hernandez has confirmed he was close to leaving Barcelona in 2014 but was talked into staying for another year by Luis Enrique.
Enrique was that same summer appointed to replace Tata Martino and led Barca to the treble, Xavi signing off with victory in the Copa del Rey, La Liga and the Champions League.
“He was frank. He said he needed me in the locker room, but I was older and was only going to play when I deserved to,” the Al Sadd midfielder told Marca.
“He came before my holiday and convinced me. I felt I should stay. I had already agreed to leave. But look what happened: I got a dream farewell.”
Xavi also lifted the lid on events at Anoeta, the sight of a Barcelona defeat last season in which eyebrows were raised when Lionel Messi was left out.
“Enrique had a lot of humility. I was surprised by the reaction. He’s a visceral type and he performed well,” the World Cup winner recalled.
“He communicated with everyone, including Messi. Communication is fundamental.”
