Players Emotionally React as Xavi Announces Departure from Barça

Gavi was the first to react on social media shortly after Xavi Hernandez announced that he won’t continue as the Barça coach next season. “Always with you, coach,” wrote the Andalusian on Instagram. At just 19 years old, Gavi is one of the most charismatic players on the team and is greatly missed by Barcelona fans. Unfortunately, he won’t be able to play under Xavi again due to a serious knee injury, and his emotional state was evident in the morning meeting at the Ciutat Esportiva.

Xavi explained his decision to the players and received overwhelming support, to the point where several of them couldn’t hold back tears. According to sources, Gavi and Joao Cancelo were among those who shed tears. Cancelo, who had self-critically acknowledged playing the “worst 45 minutes of his professional career” after the 3-5 defeat to Villarreal, apologized to the Montjuïc fans on the field. The Portuguese defender, one of Xavi’s requested reinforcements in the past winter transfer window, has been missed for his winning mentality in overcoming adversity in recent weeks.