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Barcelona stars have been quick to pay tribute to Xavi after he announced he would be retiring at the end of the season.
First-teamers Luis Suarez, Ivan Rakitic, Sergi Roberto and Rafinha all posted messages for their former team-mate and were joined in their tributes by some familiar faces.
Gracias Maqui por todo lo que le has dado al fútbol mundial. Orgulloso de haber disfrutado momentos increíbles contigo dentro y fuera de la cancha.
— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) May 2, 2019
He sido un privilegiado de compartir charlas con un gran profesional!!!
Éxitos en tu nueva etapa crack!! pic.twitter.com/Oxvww0pwLO
Luis Suarez: Thanks Maqui for everything you’ve given to world football. Proud to have enjoyed incredible moments with you on and off the field. I have been privileged to share talks with a great professional!!! Success in your new stage crack!
Ivan Rakitic: A pleasure to have you as a rival and to enjoy times with you as a team-mate ⚽ Good luck in your future as a coach
El mejor socio. Un privilegio crecer y compartir a tu lado toda mi carrera y los mejores momentos. Un ejemplo de profesional. Gracias por todo lo enseñado al mundo del fútbol.
— Andrés Iniesta (@andresiniesta8) May 3, 2019
La mejor de las suertes en esta nueva etapa, Xavi!! pic.twitter.com/XjbOm4ucX9
Andres Iniesta: The best partner. A privilege to grow and share all my career and the best moments at your side. An example of a professional. Thank you for everything you’ve taught the world of football. The best of luck in this new stage, Xavi!
Va ser un plaer compartir vestidor amb tu Xavi . Des del primer dia em vas ajudar amb tot. Una llegenda, el millor migcampista de tots els temps. I sobretot, una gran persona!!! Molta sort en la nova etapa! pic.twitter.com/IB2gogCgqv
— Sergi Roberto (@SergiRoberto10) May 2, 2019
Sergi Roberto: It was a pleasure to share the dressing room with you Xavi. From the first day you helped me with everything. A legend, the best midfielder of all time. And above all, a great person!!! Good luck on the new stage!
No sabeu el feliç que em fa haver tingut l’honor i l'oportunitat de jugar al seu costat. Gràcies Xavi! pic.twitter.com/LJvvmu0qA2
— Rafinha Alcantara (@Rafinha) May 2, 2019
Rafinha: You don’t know how happy it makes me to have had the honor and the opportunity to play by your side. Thank you Xavi!
Dani Alves: Maquiiiii, thanks for so many years together, thank you for teaching us that the easiest thing is often the most difficult, thanks for the group spirit, thank you for making us enjoy so much ..... soccer today will think a little less. All the best for the present and for the future of you and of your whole family.
Neymar: Maquinaaaa ... it’s an honor for me to be part of your history in football and to have had incredible moments with you. Thank you very much for everything you did for soccer, your magic will be forever! Great hug legend
Javier Mascherano: One of the greats is retiring. Lucky those who could play with you maki. All the best for what comes next @xavi !!!!!
Exemple i llegenda per els que venen d’abaix..
— Gerard Deulofeu (@gerardeulofeu) May 2, 2019
Un plaer haber compartit vestuari amb un dels grans.
GRÀCIES PER EL TEU FÚTBOL. pic.twitter.com/Ymz6kPMRJP
Gerard Deulofeu: An example and legend for those who come from below. A pleasure to share a shirt with one of the greats. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FOOTBALL.