From Xavi's interview with
Eurosport
Some few quotes taken from twitteraccount BarcaNewsForum
- Xavi: Seri linked with Barca? "When I was told that a player from Nice was called the 'African Xavi', I followed him very closely."
- Xavi: "I didn't know [Seri] and I was entranced. I'm not used to seeing such talent in midfield any more."
- Xavi: "The short game, long game, tactical intelligence, long-range shooting, personality, organisation of the play... Madre mia!"
- Xavi: "Seri would do so well at Barca. He can play anywhere in the middle. He is fantastic. He has what they call the Barca DNA. No doubt."
- Xavi: Will Neymar's departure affect Barca? "No - Barca will always be one of the favourites to win all possible trophies."
- Xavi: "We have Messi, the best player in the world; Suarez, the best striker; Pique, Busquets, Iniesta, the best in their positions."
- Xavi: "[Ernesto] Valverde is a good choice, too. If Barca spend well this summer, they can win everything."
- Xavi: "It was Neymar's decision and you have to respect it. It's a personal choice. Players today move to where they're wanted the most."
- Xavi: "But nobody could have imagined that Neymar would leave Barca. It's bizarre that a player doesn't want to stay at Barca."
- Xavi: "It's very rare. It's been 17 years since Luis Figo left for Real Madrid. As with Ney, it was his choice at the time."
- Xavi: "I don't know how it happened, if there were meetings, conversations... there are many interpretations of this record transfer."
- Xavi:"Barca fans are upset because Neymar gave no explanation. He left Barca without a press conference or anything...but, that's how it is"
- Xavi: "We'll see what he can give to PSG. I'm sure Barca did not expect a club to pay the €222m clause. Now they have to manage that money."
- Xavi: Dembele to replace Neymar? "He's a versatile player with a lot of physical and technical qualities, plus he's very fast."
- Xavi: "Dembele's 20, his whole future is ahead of him but he has to show that he has the mental strength for a club as demanding as Barca"
- Xavi: "Any good player today is worth millions."
- Xavi: "This is my last season as a player, here in Qatar. I'm 38 and, even though I feel good physically, it's time to say goodbye."
- Xavi: "I'm going to be a coach; that's what attracts me the most."