For the second time in his life, Xavi Hernandez is bidding farewell to Barcelona. The coach has officially been relieved of his duties from his post earlier on Friday.
In a heartfelt message to the fans, the Blaugrana icon conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the club of his life.
"Dear friends, Sunday my stage on the bench of Baca will end. It's never easy to leave the club of your life, but I'm very proud, after two and a half years at the head of a dressing room that has been like a second family.
"I want to thank the fans for the support and affection, who have always been by my side and have shown me the same love at all times as in my footballing stage.
"From Sunday onwards, I will be one more fan in the stands, either now at the Olympic Stadium or in a few months at the New Camp Nou. Because before I was a player or a coach, I am a Barcelona fan and I only want the best for the club of my life.
"I worked with a great group of players and staff. Thanks to all of them we have been achieving the proposed objectives, culminating last year with La Liga and Supercopa titles. This season things haven't gone as we wanted, but we've let it go and helped grow a new generation of young footballers from La Masia that inspire all Barcelona fans.
"Thank you very much to all. To the fans, the players, the staff, the club employees, the President, the Board of Directors, the sporting directors, the media and everyone with whom I have shared the journey over these two and a half seasons.
"I wish the best to the club that I carry in my heart. Visca el Barca."
Despite his relatively short stint at Camp Nou as a coach, lasting just two and a half years, Xavi secured two trophies for the club: La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
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