Xavi retires from international duty with Spain, but insists he’s staying at Barca.
(Image via: fcbarcelona.com)
Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernández has announced his international retirement on Tuesday, but insists that he will see out the remaining two years of his contract at Barcelona, having had a change of heart about leaving the Catalan club.
Xavi appeared before the media on Tuesday, with everyone keen to hear what his thoughts and plans are for the future. He began by explaining what motivated his thoughts of leaving Barcelona, amidst amidst a lot of speculation during the summer.
“Last season I ended up a bit disillusioned. I suffered two great personal and collective disappointments. I didn’t feel useful being sat on the bench, in what was the final and decisive game of the season in La Liga and it happened again with the national team.”
“After that, I decided abruptly that it would be best to put a close on this stage of my career, but then I went on holiday and spoke to Andoni Zubizarreta and Luis Enrique, who made me see that I could still be useful and important.”
The 34-year-old explained however, that now he feels much more comfortable with himself and remains confident that he still has an important role to play with Barcelona.
“I’m grateful to the club for their patience and for waiting. We’ve agreed on everything now. I’m feeling better and I’m competitive. I had those two big disappointments and that’s why I sent a lot of messages to my friends, saying that I was going to quit.”
“I repeat, it was a hasty decision. I’m competitive and I feel useful, I’ve changed my frame of mind and I’ve been made to see that I can be important.”
Xavi also denied that money had anything to do with his thoughts during the summer, whilst also explaining that he’s ready for the challenges that await him with Barcelona, appreciative of the honesty and directness of Luis Enrique, during their conversations.
“My decisions were purely sporting. I’ve read that it was an economic decision, or that there weren’t any alternatives, but that simply isn’t true. Nobody has told me I’ll have a different or secondary role here.”
“I’m starting from scratch again, like all the other players. I need to show the manager what I can do. Luis Enrique has been straight with me and I like that. I have good sensations, I’m starting again strongly and most of all, I must highlight the character of Luis Enrique.”
“I’m a player who will give everything for the team, that wants to add something, that puts the team ahead of the individual. At the moment, I feel good with my team-mates and the new coaching staff. I’ll give everything I’ve got to carry on being important. I hope that people understand where I’m coming from. My state of mind wasn’t as good before, as it is now.”
The next comments from Xavi weren’t particularly surprising, but confirmation nonetheless, that his time with the Spanish national team has come to an end.
“I’ve made the decision to leave the national team, so it’s the end of an era for me. I must thank Ángel Maria Villar, Jorge Pérez, my close friend Maria José Claramunt and all the managers I’ve had, since I played with the Under-17′s. It’s been an extraordinary experience with all of them. We’ve achieved much success, I’m very proud and happy. I wish everyone the best and I’m happy that Vicente Del Bosque has decided to carry on. From now on though, I’m just a fan of Spain, rather than a player.”
Xavi also explained that he’d intended to call it a day with La Roja following the Euro 2012 finals, but that Vicente Del Bosque had convinced him to stay on until the World Cup in Brazil.
“I first told him my intentions at Euro 2012, but he insisted that I keep going until Brazil. There, I was disappointed for everyone. At our collective level and personally, especially seeing myself out of the game against Chile. I’m thankful for all the affection I’ve been shown. I don’t think there’s anyone better to manage the Spanish team than Vicente, Toni Grane and the coaching staff.”
Turning attention back to his future with Barcelona, Xavi was asked about how influential Luis Enrique was, in his decision to stay.
“We spoke three or four times. He was delighted for me to stay. We’ve been team-mates in the past and we know each other very well. Simply put, I’m staying as one more player in the team. I’m available to Luis Enrique and with the same sort of enthusiasm I’ve had since I was a kid. I think we can achieve a lot.”
As for others involved with the Spanish national team, particularly Iker Casillas, Xavi suggested that it’s up to the Real Madrid keeper to decide his own future.
“I wish him all the best, that he does what he thinks is best for himself and he’s a good friend of mine. Obviously he’s also a rival of mine at a footballing level, so I can’t wish him the best in that sense, but whatever is good for him, makes me happy.”
Lionel Messi has returned to squad training, along with other players who were away at the World Cup. Xavi insists that they’re all vital for the club.
“I still think he’s the best player in the world. He’s been training apart recently, but he seems happy. The four players who are back with the team, are all important.”
With suggestions that part of the reason Xavi is staying, will be the possibility of him becoming captain, he explained that he would of course be proud to assume that role, but it’s the team who decides.
“We’ve made our votes, so we’ll have to see what happens. I’m prepared for anything. In the locker room we agree on everything and we listen to everyone. It would be a privilege to replace such a great friend and captain as Carles Puyol.”
The signing of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez was welcomed by Xavi, who hopes the ban for the player is reduced, when the Court of Arbitration for Sport hears his case at the petition of Barcelona, later this week.
“I think he’s a spectacular signing, he’s one of the best strikers in the world. We’re just waiting now to see if his ban is reduced a little. He’s a great persona, he’s apologised and hopefully CAS will help him.”
Following comparisons between the working methods of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, Xavi prefers no comparisons to be made, that the new Barca manager has his own methods and ideas.
“I don’t like any comparisons. All we’re talking about is this year. We’re doing a lot of physical work, work with the ball and everything is tactically oriented. Everyone is working hard and very well.”
Having decided to stay at Barca, there has been suggestion that it’s only a temporary measure by the club and Xavi. He sees the situation otherwise, keen to see out his contract.
“Not at all. I have two years left on my contract and I’m happy that the club has the confidence in me to see that through. Nothing has changed, apart from my hasty decision. I’m staying for two seasons.”
Prompted for thoughts on whether Barca urged him to stay, because they missed out on signing Koke from Atlético Madrid, Xavi denied any such thing was the case at all.
“My decision wasn’t tied to any signings. It was a mutual agreement with the sports directive.”
Chema Corbella, a kit man with the first team for over thirty years, was relieved of his duties earlier in the summer. Xavi clearly wasn’t happy about the decision and believes he will be missed by the players.
“I feel bad about that because I don’t think he deserves it. He’s an extraordinary kind of guy, the heart and soul of the locker room. We’ll miss his jokes, his good humour. It’s a club decision and we can’t do anything about it. I spoke with him and I know he’s sad about it, which I am too. He’s a very close friend and one of the best people I’ve known.”
Amidst suggestions that Dani Alves may be leaving Barcelona this summer, the Brazilian received the backing of Xavi, who also noted that it’s any decisions are up to the club.
“Of course I do. He’s a spectacular player, if not the best in the world in his position, but that’s something only the sporting directive can answer.”
Finally and asked if he’s prepared to accept a secondary role in the first-team, having expressed his disappointment at being parked on the bench at the end of last season, Xavi insisted that he’s past all that now and looking forward to the new season.
“Maybe so. Why shouldn’t I? The team always comes first. Last season I did everything I could, but felt very disappointed inside myself. I’m prepared for anything. I won’t be putting on a bad face about anything and I’m ready for whatever the manager wants.”
“As much as I might have opinions, it’s Luis Enrique and Andoni Zubizarreta who decide. We’re there to help those who come in and to perform as well as they have at their previous clubs.”
“This club can’t go more than a year without trophies and this year, we we have to win titles. Only winning and doing well is worth anything here. Only excellence is worth anything.”
