Barcelona players tried convincing Xavi to not resign during training today, Roberto took responsibility

As if the heart-breaking 3-5 loss against Villarreal was not a difficult enough pill to swallow, Barcelona fans were hit by a bigger surprise at the end of the game as Xavi announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

“We have reached a point of no return. It’s time for change. As a Culé, I think that it’s time to leave. I spoke with the board and the club today. I will leave on the 30th of June,” he said.

“I made my decision to leave at the end of the season a few days ago, but now I have decided to announce it.”

Xavi’s announcement came as a shock to the players, as well, who were not aware that he had already made up his mind.

The coach was reportedly ready to spill the beans to the media at the end of the Spanish Super Cup final against Real Madrid, but was convinced to wait by his entourage.

It is clear that the players were fully in Xavi’s corner through this entire time, with the likes of Ronald Araujo, Frenkie de Jong, Joao Cancelo, among others taking the blame for the poor results.

In fact, recent reports from Marc Fuster claim that Xavi had a meeting with the players today, and several players tried to convince him to continue beyond this season. They were reportedly ready to do anything possible to convince him.

The current captain of the squad, Sergi Roberto, even took responsibility on his shoulders, and said that he was guilty of this mess.

Xavi has made it clear, though, that his decision is final, and that he would leave even if the team were to miraculously win the Champions League this season.