Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta has paid tribute to long-serving teammate Xavi, calling his substitute appearance in the Champions League final the "perfect goodbye".
Xavi, 35, pulled on a Barcelona shirt for the final time in Saturday's 3-1 win over Juventus, and will now leave the club after 17 seasons with the first team and 757 appearances under his belt.
"Of course it would be wonderful for us if he was to continue playing for Barcelona, but he's made his decision and I believe that winning this trophy is the perfect way for him to leave the club," Iniesta told reporters.
"When he came on I tried to convey enthusiasm and strength to him because we still had some way to go to the final whistle. His contribution was fundamental to convey tranquillity to the team, and I give him 10 out of 10."
Xavi will play for Al Sadd next season after agreeing a three-year deal to join the Qatari club back in March.
Written by
Joe Sharratt
Joe Sharratt
