Xavi Hernández to Depart FC Barcelona at the End of the Season
Legendary Midfielder Announces Retirement
Xavi Hernández, the legendary midfielder who has captained FC Barcelona for the past four seasons, announced on Wednesday that he will be retiring from the club at the end of the season.
Xavi, 35, joined Barcelona from their youth academy at the age of 11 and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the most successful players in the club's history. He has won eight La Liga titles, four Champions League titles, and two FIFA Club World Cups with Barcelona, and has been named the FIFA World Player of the Year twice.
Xavi made the announcement at a press conference at the Camp Nou, surrounded by his teammates and coaches. He said that he had made the decision to retire after careful consideration and that he felt it was the right time to move on to a new chapter in his life.
"I have given my all to this club for the past 17 years and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together," Xavi said. "But I believe that it is time for me to move on and I am excited about what the future holds for me."
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique said that Xavi's departure will be a huge loss for the club, but that he understands and respects his decision to retire.
"Xavi is a legend of this club and he will be sorely missed," Enrique said. "But I know that he will continue to be successful in whatever he does next."
Xavi will remain with Barcelona until the end of the season and will help the club to try to win the treble of La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. He will then leave the club as one of the most decorated players in its history.
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