Barcelona head coach Xavi Hernandez has spoken for the first time since Lionel Messi announced he will be joining Inter Miami.
Check Out: Messi: Why I Won't Return To Barcelona
On Wednesday evening, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner confirmed he will be taking his career to the MLS despite previously appearing to be close to a free-agent switch back to the Blaugrana following a two-season stint at Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi explained the reasoning behind his decision to leave Europe after 18 years, saying his family played a significant role in his call to go to the United States.
The Argentine also admitted that he wanted to return to the LaLiga champions, who were pursuing his signature, but added that he did not want to leave his future in anybody else's hands.
In response to his announcement, Barcelona issued a statement in which they claimed they did hand his father, Jorge Messi, a proposal to sign the superstar, words that contradicted Messi's insisting he had not received a formal offer from his ex-side.
Speaking on Thursday, however, Xavi seemed understanding of his former teammate's decision.
"The last days, weeks, I had noticed that he didn't see his return clearly. You have to understand it, being Messi is not easy. Everyone is interested in you, he never has calm," he said, according to Jijantes.
"Leo explained it, for the past two years he was unhappy. I can understand that he doesn't want so much pressure anymore. I spoke with him a lot.
"I have spoken a lot with Messi and we were all excited... But in the end it hasn't happened. He has explained the circumstances very well. He wants a quieter and more family life.
"It's Messi's personal decision and you have to respect him because he's the best player in history. I was convinced that we would do well with him."
Check Out: Man City Captain 'Decides' Next Club
Messi is expected to be announced by Inter Miami in the coming days, with the club having already acknowledged his impending arrival on their social media platforms.
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