Barcelona confirm Xavi's decision to remain manager

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed Xavi will not step down as manager at the end of the season.

Xavi confirmed in January that he planned to leave this summer, 12 months before his contract expires, but has now been convinced to reverse his decision and will now see out the remainder of his deal.

"We are pleased to announce that Xavi will continue as coach of the first team," Laporta said in a press conference on Thursday. "We know that he made some statements in the middle of the season but today we have the good news that we have been talking about, he has conveyed to me the enthusiasm and confidence that he has in the project.

"Stability is a very important value in successful projects. In my experience as president, I have learned that stability is essential for projects

"Xavi's Barcelona support is incontestable, as is that of the rest of the staff and the board. We have a coach who always looks out for Barca's interests. It is very good news that Xavi continues. I also think that the team we have, a team that is consolidating, needs this stability. And Xavi contributes to this stability.

"Xavi enjoys the total confidence of the board and I hope, also, of Barcelona fans. Maintaining the stability of the project is good news. Let us remember that it is a project that began practically last year and has already been won. It has been achieved with a Super Cup and a league title that I would describe as historic. Xavi has had the courage to assume this responsibility."

"Barcelona fans, believe in Barca and believe in this project, because it is worth it. We have a coach with human quality, knowledge and an incontestable Barcelona fan like Xavi. Thank you very much."

Xavi went on to thank those in charge at the club and his players for helping convince him to change his mind.

"You know that I am a huge Barcelona fan," he explained. "I always try to do the best for the club and the most important thing is to think about the entity.

"When I met with the president, I always thought about the priority as a club man. I had all the confidence of the president, of the board of directors, of the sports director, and the trust of the players, whose belief that the project must continue has also been very important for this decision.

"The fans also made me see that I must continue. These are the reasons for the change of decision, for the change of course. I think about the club. At the time, I thought that the best thing for the dynamics of the club was to leave.

"I think this is now the best decision. From now on, let's work with enthusiasm. Thank you all very much."

READ THE LATEST BARCELONA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP