Xavi Hernandez: “Messi? We depend on what he wants to do.”

Barcelona coach Xavi Hernández assured that Leo Messi is loved by “all Catalans, whether he comes or not” and that everything depends on “what he wants to do”.

“All the culés agree that Messi deserves a farewell, a tribute, let’s see. Messi is the history of the club, we don’t know if he will come or not, but he is the best footballer in history and he deserves also a farewell,” insisted the Barcelona coach.

Xavi recalled that when he took over as manager the club was “in a very difficult time, in a very complicated situation”.

“We all did our part to be where we are today and it’s a positive sign to keep working, even if we go to Montjuic, we need the love of all these fans,” he said.

As for Ansu Fati, author of two goals today, he noted that he was “very lively” and explained: “We’re going to see where we stand and whether we sign or not. It’s not a message for him, we’re going planning the season to be more competitive as we can, the offices are doing very well and we will see how we can build the team next season”.

“We are not sitting still, we are going to try to strengthen as much as possible, but we are aware that there can be different scenarios. We depend on ‘fair play’ and they may let us or not, it is the situation we have had to inherit,” he added.

He noted that the Camp Nou is Barcelona’s history: “It’s Johan (Cruyff), Messi, 5-0…. These are moments that have improved the history of this club, the ovations for the footballers, they are memories that one has in their memory and that is why today is a very emotional day.”

Xavi finally highlighted the parting of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba: “They are two Barcelona legends, I think they are the best I have seen in their position. Everything turned out fine, we will miss them”.

“I told them they are lucky, not everyone can say goodbye like that, cheered by the people and knowing that you are leaving, with two titles, which are not small, and with the gratitude of the fans. They feel that they have done their job well and that is priceless, they deserve it,” he concludes.