Lucho: Did what I had to do

Luis Enrique claims “I came here to be a leader and win trophies” and did both after his final League game as Barcelona boss.

Barca beat Eibar 4-2 in Enrique’s La Liga curtain call, although the celebratory occasion was not matched by a third straight title as Real Madrid beat them to the chase, winning 2-0 at Malaga.

“My legacy? I’ll stick with the affection of the fans. I care very little about the rest,“ he said after the game.

“Pep always said that without the players, without these individuals, it’s impossible to do anything.

“I came here to be a leader and I was one, I came here to win trophies and I won them, thanks to the players.

“I focused on our game and I’m leaving when I want to, so I’m satisfied. I could’ve done much better and certainly much worse.

“I’ve done it my way, with my style, and I have nothing to criticise myself for.

“I had the same feelings as in other matches at Camp Nou when I’ve heard [the fans] chant my name, but I urged them not to cheer me on, so I wouldn’t miss any balls, and that they should cheer on the players.

“This has been a wonderful decade for Barca and the club will look to keep it going with the level of the players.

“I must applaud the team for never giving up, despite not finishing the season like we wanted.

“The fans were with us. The team showed the ability to turn complications around.

“We weren’t consistent enough, especially at the start in many home games, which we paid for.

“The margin that separates victory from defeat is small, we’ve seen it. We wanted to win, but other teams did better.

“Madrid are the fair winners and we must congratulate them. There’s a lot of competition here.

“We mustn’t forget that Eibar made it difficult for us. Eibar are the surprise packages and Alaves are the other.

“We watched videos of them for the past month and they’re a complicated team to face.

“It’s not for their position, but mentality and ability can help you in whatever position.

“I’m grateful and privileged to have played and coached this club. Taking this ship has never been easy for what it entails, but my valuation is a positive one.”

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