I still can't believe that he is likely to announce his departure from the club this very week.
I can't think of a player that has symbolized the success and playing style of Barça in the past decade more than him. Including that of Spain.
It is impossible for me to recall a player that was so central and influential in the success and playing style of arguably the greatest club team of all time and the greatest national team of all time. He embodied those teams more than any other player.
This picture below, that does not include this season's league win, says it all. No explanation needed.
As much as I liked Puyol, Xavi's departure will be more difficult to handle. Only Messi's departure will top that.
In a way I hope that he will stay as long as possible at the club but I fully understand his decision. Leaving the club after hopefully winning "El Triplete" at the age of 35 would be a perfect goodbye. You can't escape "old" age.
I hope that Xavi will follow in the footsteps of Pep and Lucho and manage our club one day and be as successful. This would be a dream.