Advertisement

Barcelona celebrates La Liga title, gives Xavi emotional send-off (Video)

Barcelona celebrates La Liga title, gives Xavi emotional send-off (Video)

Saturday's 2-2 draw with Deportivo de la Coruna served as the backdrop for the celebration of Barcelona's 23rd La Liga title. The scene at the Camp Nou was a joyous one as Lionel Messi, the scorer of both Barca goals against Depor, and his teammates lifted the trophy and celebrated on the field with their families.

The occasion was also bittersweet as Barcelona said goodbye to an all-time legend.

Xavi graced the starting XI one last time for the club he joined as an 11-year-old and produced a typical performance with a team-best 116 passes. But in the 86th minute, it was time for the 35-year-old to leave the field awash in the home supporters' cheers and gratitude. Fittingly, Xavi was replaced by substitute Andres Iniesta, his fellow midfield maestro for over a decade.

The spotlight of the postgame festivities eventually found the man of the moment as Xavi was handed the microphone to address the adoring Camp Nou faithful after a video tribute replayed the highlights of his 17-year career at Barcelona.

"Thank you so much for everything," said Xavi, who stopped for a few seconds to fight back tears. "Thank you from all of my heart. You make me the happiest man in the world today and over these 17 seasons.

"I'm proud to have been a Barca player. This is the best club in the world, whatever they say. I'm very happy. Thank you very much indeed."

He then thanked his family for having "always been with me" before concluding his speech with Barcelona's unfinished business of bringing home two more trophies in the Copa del Rey final on May 30 against Athletic Bilbao and the Champions League final on June 6 against Juventus.

"This isn't over now," said Xavi, who will join Qatari side Al Sadd after the season. "Like the boss [Luis Enrique] said, we want the [Spanish] Cup. We want the Champions League. And in a fortnight, we want you all to be here. Long live, Barca. Long live, Catalonia."

Related Video: