Xavi Hernandez gave a bombastic interview over the weekend, which could have an impact on the Barcelona presidential election.
The former player and coach claimed that Joan Laporta, who is the favourite to win a fourth term, turned down the chance to bring back Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023.
Xavi discussed a number of topics during the interview with La Vanguardia, one of which was his relationship with successor Hansi Flick. He revealed that the two get along very well and have great respect for each other.
“My relationship with Hansi Flick is excellent. We send each other messages constantly. I always congratulate him on the team, we talk about football. In fact, he once came to my house because of a difficult situation, and that was an honor for me.”
Xavi also revealed that he had asked the Barcelona hierarchy, led by Joan Laporta, to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2023, when it was confirmed that Sergio Busquets would be leaving the club.
However, his request was rejected and, in the end, the then Real Sociedad midfielder joined Arsenal 12 months later.
“Busquets was leaving, so I asked them to sign Zubimendi. They said no because of an economic problem.”
“After that, Jordi Cruyff left because of the contempt they had for him, he is the son of Johan Cruyff. Those who carry the banner of Cruyfism. A month and a half later, Mateu Alemany also left.”
“At that moment, I should have left too. When we were making the decisions, the team was developing and growing, but when they started making the decisions, the team’s level dropped, and this is no coincidence,” the 46-year-old declared.
Xavi, who is supporting Victor Font in the upcoming elections, was highly critical of Laporta throughout the interview.
He claimed that the former Barcelona president started a campaign against him, telling the players things that he said were not true.