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Xavi Hernandez has hinted that his time at Barcelona may be over after mounting pressure amid an up-and-down season.
The former Spain midfielder raised the prospect of a potential exit following the defeat by Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey, his side’s second heavy defeat in a fortnight.
He said that if Barcelona were not at least competing for titles, he would leave at the end of the season.
Talking to you Soccer Spain ahead of their game against Villarreal, he said: “We have been talking about my continuation since July.
“Since we lost a friendly against Arsenal, there was already pressure. I’m calm. I understand the club, the criticism, I understand everything.
“I’m lucky or unlucky to know the club. I have no problem. But now is not the time to think about my future. By the time we got to the Clasico friendly in July, it was already a pressure situation. We are convinced that we can have a good season.’
“But, of course, I’ve been here for two and a half years and I think I’ve got less time left than I’m already here. I’m closer to the end than the beginning.
“If you look at the history, Pep, he’s been here four years right? Luis Enrique three, and that was the win, always the win. There will come a time when I will leave. Don’t worry (laughs).
“I don’t know if they’re being unfair to me, I’m not sure about that. But we always appreciate people when they start to leave. Now the good work of Valverde, Koeman is appreciated.
“Now that Busquets, Jordi Alba have left, we say how good they were… It’s something we have to think about. I hope you miss me too. I am happy and appreciate what I have now, not later.
“For me this is Barca’s big historical mistake. So did Luis Enrique or Pep. Or Koeman, we didn’t appreciate him. I don’t know if it’s unfair, this club is like that.’
Recently, it was revealed that Barcelona made the latest Deloitte Football Money League, but are unable to sign or register players.