In an interview with ‘Movistar +’, Al Sadd’s midfielder revealed how he had learned of the upcoming departure of his former team-mate Neymar.
The legendary midfielder, one of the key elements in FC Barcelona’s success over the past decade, has assured that the Brazilian player’s decision surprised him at the time. He learned it at the wedding of Lionel Messi and Neymar himself announced it.
« It was a normal conversation, he told me that he was leaving and that surprised me, I asked him if there was anything in particular but he just told me that it was was the moment for him to leave, I saw that he was determined and if it was his decision, we had to do everything to encourage him and especially to accept him « , assured the former ‘blaugrana’ who insists that the player’s words had surprised him.
Xavi also had words about the post-Neymar: « Obviously his departure was a big loss for us, we’re talking about one of the top three or five players in the world, and he’ll be the best player in a short time. It’s a pity but Barça has always survived when its stars decided to leave. »
And he knew what to say when he was asked about the situation of Barça after the brazilian genius flew to PSG: « The arrival of Valverde was a good thing that helped to straighten out a bit the bar, in addition to the arrivals of the different players « .