There aren’t too many modern greats in the game at the moment who can bring an entire stadium of 93,000 people to tears because of his exit from the football club.
Xavi Hernandez is indeed one of those rare kinds, who pledged his entire life and career to the Football Club Barcelona. Xavi decided to call it quit on an amazing 17-year journey where he won 8 La Liga trophies and 3 Champions League triumphs.
More than the titles, Xavi’s role as the leader of the side during their struggling phase stands out as the main reason why Barcelona fans love him to death. It wasn’t easy for Xavi to be at his calming best in his final appearance in a Barcelona shirt at Camp Nou.
Xavi got a great reception prior to the game where fans revealed a special message for their midfield maestro. Throughout the game, crowd shoed their love and support for their hero as Xavi slowly made his way towards the dugout after being substituted by Andres Iniesta.
After the full-time whistle, Xavi lifted Barcelona’s 23rd La Liga title and the party began. There were emotional speeches made by the club manager Luis Enrique, Andres Iniesta and man of the hour himself Xavi Hernandez.
Xavi could not control his tears as he exploded while thanking the Barcelona supporters and the player for helping him throughout the 17-year journey at the club and vowed to end the season on a high by winning the unprecedented treble.
Here are some of the best images from Xavi’s last game at Camp Nou as a Barcelona player.
An amazing banner created by the Barcelona fans for their hero
One last team-photo for Xavi at Camp Nou
Doing what he has been doing all his career
Special jersey designed for the ocassion
Entire player and staff stood up to welcome Xavi after being substitiuted
Xavi thanked the fans for making him feel as the best man on earth
Xavi won his 8th La Liga title with Barcelona
Celebrations were in order
Image Credits: getty