Barcelona's legendary midfielder, Xavi, has today explained that he stayed at the club after manager Luis Enrique convince him that he still had a lot to offer the Catalan giants.
Speaking to media at the Nou Camp, Xavi said that he had looked at a move away this summer after experiencing 'the worst season of my career'.
Xavi, who announced his international retirement during the press conference, reitirated on numerous occassions the influence of Enrique on his decision to stay with Barca and said he was looking forward to a fresh start under the new boss.
"Last year, things ended in disappointing fashion; both for the team and myself personally," said Xavi. "It was one of the worst seasons I’ve had in my career. I didn’t feel useful to the club and the same thing seemed to happen with Spain.
"I thought perhaps it was time to move on and start a new journey but over the holidays I was talking to Luis Enrique and he convinced me that there are still things I can do for this club. I’d like to thank the club for being so patient with me.
"I wasn’t feeling useful, I wasn’t feeling motivated but speaking to Luis Enrique has really helped me."
The 34-year-old denied that financial reasons motivated him to extend his career at Barca and that this was a purely sporting decision.
"I’ve mentioned to the coaches that it is a purely sporting decision. It has nothing to do with finances or people leaving the club," added Xavi.
"I had offers from other clubs but it wasn’t something financial at all [staying on at Barca]."
One of those offers was reportedly from Arabian Gulf League newcomers Fujairah, who had tried to tempt the iconic Spaniard to the UAE when the player's future was in doubt.
Speaking about his international retirment, Xavi said: "I've taken the decision to leave the national team. My time there has finished.
"From now on I'm another fan of the Spain team. I'm grateful to everybody at the Federation (RFEF), it's been a marvellous time for me to be there for so many years and have so much success. I'm leaving very proud and I wish them all the best."
During his time with Spain, Xavi won 133 caps and helped La Roja win the 2010 World Cup and back-to-back European Championships.
He has been a Barcelona player throught the entirity of his career, joining the club 24 years ago as a 10-year-old boy at La Masia academy.
Watch Xavi's press conference in full below (skip to 7:40 for the good stuff).
