As it appeared on AS, Xavi gave his pre-match press conference before Barcelona’s match against Almería tomorrow evening.
Nonetheless, the focus of conversation was not tomorrow’s La Liga fixture, but Gerard Piqué’s retirement:
“He feels less important, less useful, and it is normal to take this step aside. He shows spectacular greatness by stepping aside. He deserves all the praise and he is a legend of the club. People should cheer for Gerard, applaud him. Because he deserves everything for this extraordinary career,” Xavi responded to questions related to Piqué’s imminent departure.
“We have to try to make it a great day for the club. Barça will lose leadership and commitment. He is one of the best centre-backs in the history of the sport. I don’t want to disrespect Migueli and Puyol, but it’s clear that they are among the best,” he added.
Xavi also discussed why Piqué didn’t play much this season:
“I have to make decisions for the good of the club. I’ve looked at what’s best for the team. It’s that hard. It was difficult for me because I like him, it’s not easy.”
GSFN
