Xavi has admitted that he is glad he chose to spend another season at Barcelona before his eventual exit from the club this summer.

The 35-year-old was on the verge of leaving his hometown club last year after a disappointing campaign, but he was convinced to stay and helped them to win a historic treble.

Xavi has now joined Qatar outfit Al Sadd, and the former Spain international says that leaving on a high note was the perfect way to end his spell at Barcelona.

"Imagine leaving Barcelona last year, without this euphoria and without titles," he told the club's official website. "Here, when they don't win anything, they think that about 10 players should be sold, everyone is angry. Imagine making a farewell with angry people.

"Now people are euphoric. I'm happy I had stayed on for another year, that former sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, Luis Enrique and president Josep Maria Bartomeu convinced me to stay.

"It was clear that I had to leave and I am very fit, but in two or three meetings, they convinced me to stay. I'm happy."

Xavi holds the record of 767 appearances for Barcelona.