Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, has said he is not angry with Lionel Messi deciding to join Inter Miami instead of returning to the Nou Camp.
Messi will sign for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain.
Barca had been in talks with their former captain over a sensational return but Xavi says he understands why the 35-year-old chose to leave European football.
Xavi told Jijantes FC on Thursday: “It’s Messi’s personal decision and you have to respect him because he’s the best player in history, but I was convinced we would do well with him in the team.
“I respect Messi and I wish him all the best. It has not been an easy situation for him, that’s clear.”
Within hours of Messi’s move to Inter Miami being announced, Barca were quickly linked with a swoop for Neymar instead.
But Xavi has played down the reports.
“I’m surprised [by the rumours]. He’s not in our sports planning. I really like him as a person and a friend, but we have different priorities,” he added.
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