CL: Leaving Barcelona is tough for Xavi

Berlin Recordbreaker Xavi Hernandez says it will be tough to leave Barcelona after lifting the Champions League trophy on his final appearance in the famous stripXavi Hernandez lifts the Champions League trophy PicGetty ImagesThe 35yearold came on in the 78th minute to set a new record of 151 Champions League appearances in Barcelonas 31 win over Juventus in the final in Berlin which was the fourth time he had won European club footballs most prestigious trophyHaving started at the Catalan giants as an 11yearold Xavi will join Qatari side Al Sadd next season He admitted that leaving Barcelona will hit him hard having won his 25th title with the club The final took a dramatic turn when an early goal by Barcas Ivan Rakitic was cancelled out by Juventus exReal Madrid striker Alvaro Morata with the equaliser on 55 minutesBut Xavi says Barcelonas superstar Lionel Messi made the difference as his brilliant run led to Luis Suarez making it 21 to the Spaniards in the secondhalf before Neymar scored their third at the death To leave this way is amazing but I have a bit of nostalgia thinking Im never going to play for this side again and I really wanted to lift the cup said Xavi who lost his place in the starting side to Rakitic this season We suffered a lot because Juve put pressure on us but Leo Messi popped up again The side is sensational and Messi is outrageousTriumphant departureXavi said the best thing for Barcelona now is for Luis Enrique to stay on with the head coach having left his future open despite winning the treble of European cup and league titles in his debut season Luis Enrique deserves this because hes had a lot of criticism but hes been a great leader for the side The best thing for next year is for Luis Enrique to stay said XaviDefender Gerard Pique said that Xavi was part of a unique generation at Barcelona that has overcome seasons without a trophy as well as enjoyed triumphs Xavi deserves everything said Pique He is leaving us with an important legacy how to play football and take on victory and defeat He will always be with us This was the fifth time Barcelona have been crowned European champions and it is their fourth Champions League title in the last decade after their 2006 2009 and 2011 triumphs Im lost for wordsIts spectacular to win three trophies in a season once again said Barcelona captain Andreas Iniesta who was replaced by Xavi and was part of the 2009 treblewinning team I think theres not enough words to express how proud we are Both trebles are special The first time you think youll never do it again and yet we have Its a proud day for BarcaWe want to do it all again next year and win a sixth title You can never rest on what we have achieved At a club like this we have to look for the next challenge But right at the moment I just want to enjoy winning this fifth title for the club Having handed over his armband to Xavi and the privilege of being the first to lift the trophy Iniesta said it was only fitting for the club veteran to bow out on the big stage It is perfect for him and the club There is no better sendoff than lifting the Champions League said Iniesta