Xavi Hernández told the ‘El Marcador’ show on Barça TV how it feels to have equalled Migueli’s record number of appearances, and described what a pleasure it is to play for Barça at the moment.
Xavi has been in the Barcelona first team for thirteen seasons, and
although he has lived through the good times, he has also endured bad ones. “People are
enjoying Barça. We have won titles and we’ll try to win more, but I have also suffered bad
times” he said. “You can’t put a price on being loved so much in your own home. I
have also been criticised, but I always wanted to triumph here.” And there can be no arguing
that he has done just that.
Surprise tribute
On the tribute paid to him after the game, Xavi said “I wasn’t expecting it. They
didn’t tell me a thing. But when I’m not in control of a situation, I get nervous.
Today I felt very much the focus of people’s attention”.
Asked if he suspects anybody will beat his own record, Xavi replied that “Víctor and
Andrés are still young and I’m sure they can beat me.” Then he laughingly added that
“Carles is two years older than me, so it’s not so easy for him.”
Difficult game
As for the game, Levante proved a lot trickier than many had expected.
“They had just lost 8-0 at the Bernabéu and played it tight at the back. And the picth
wasn’t too good either … But once you’ve scored, you feel lñiberated. The first
goal changed the game. It came a bit late, but at least it came”.
Photos: Miguel Ruiz/Àlex Caparrós-FCB.
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Rosell: “Xavi represents the Barça values”
The Barça president Sandro Rosell also spoke about Xav’s monumental 549 appearances.
“It is an honour for Xavi, a home-bred player. To have worn the Barça shirt so many
times.” Rosell added that “I’d like to congratulate Migueli for holding onto this
record for so long and Xavi for equalling Migueli, it’s living history for the club …
Xavi has won everything and he represents the Barça values: effort, loyalty, work and heart …
Loyalty is a difficult value to find and what Xavi has done for Barça is extraordinary”.