BARCELONA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona president Joan Laporta and coach Xavi Hernandez gave a joint press conference on Thursday to explain Xavi's decision to see out his contract until June 2025.
In January Xavi said that he would step down from his position at the end of the current season.
Barca vice-president Rafa Yuste confirmed Xavi was staying on Wednesday night after a further round of talks between Xavi, Laporta and Sporting Director Deco.
"I'm carrying on because I can see the confidence of everyone: the President, the Board of Directors, or Deco and Rafa (Yuste) and the players," explained Xavi, who said he was not carrying on "for money or ego," but because everyone believed in a "winning project."
"Almost certainly we aren't going to win any titles this season, but I feel strong and with the capacity to work for the good of the club," he added.
The coach added that now he would work with conviction and that he was "happy and grateful" to FC Barcelona.
Laporta backed up Xavi, telling the press he had renounced any compensation for the last year of his contract, saying Xavi's attitude "honors him," and showed the world he was a Barcelona fan.
"He has handled himself with absolute dignity," commented Laporta, who added that Xavi had the club's full support, while also insisting he had not been in contact with any potential replacement. ■
