An insight into the effect of Xavi Hernández’s decision to depart Barcelona on some of the club’s star performers has been provided this evening.
Xavi, of course, rocked Spanish football to its core late last night.
This came upon the Spaniard announcing his intention to step down from his post as Blaugrana boss upon the season’s close.
Fresh off another damaging defeat, on this occasion at the hands of Villarreal, Xavi confirmed:
“I want to announce that on June 30 I will no longer continue as the coach at Barça. I think the situation needs to change course, and as a culer, I cannot allow the current situation.”
Despite the long-standing speculation surrounding his future, the official confirmation of Xavi’s imminent departure has since taken a firm toll on the club’s stars.
As confirmed by a combination of Mundo Deportivo and ESport3, a whole host of high-profile Barcelona players could not help but allow their emotions to come pouring out during a squad meeting earlier today.
In fact, after Xavi provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision to stand down, all of Robert Lewandowski, João Cancelo and Gavi broke down in tears.
Jules Koundé is another understood to have been hit hard by the news, after Xavi did everything in his power to ensure the Frenchman’s arrival at the Camp Nou back in 2022.
Conor Laird | GSFN
