Xavi reveals if he will sign new Barcelona contract after deciding to stay

Xavi hasn't ruled out signing a new contract at Barcelona beyond the end of his existing deal in 2025, having reversed his decision to walk away this summer.

Barcelona confirmed on Thursday morning what was initially reported on Wednesday night about Xavi changing his mind, having previously announced in January his decision to step down at the end of the season.

As it stands, the 43-year-old is only under contract to continue until the end of next season. Nothing is planned beyond that, but Xavi didn’t reject the idea of staying longer.

"There is a lot left [on the current contract],"he said. "The important thing is that we have decided that the best thing for the club was to continue. To fight and work to achieve the objectives."

Discussing the decision to change his mind, Xavi highlighted "trust" as a key component.

"The trust that the president has shown me is mutual. Also the trust that Deco showed me. And of course, the fans. That has made me reconsider the decision I made in January," he explained.

"It has not been a simple or easy decision. In January, I believed that it was the best for the club, but circumstances have changed and, now, I think that continuity is the best. I think that the project is not finished, that we can make it a winning project. And I am convinced, I think I have all the hope in the world. From three months ago, everything has changed. Since it is wise, we are here to rectify."

Xavi gave damning reasons in January as to why he wanted to step down. But even though he isn't walking away prematurely, his perception of the "cruel" nature of the job hasn't actually changed.

"My opinion of the environment is going to continue being cruel and unpleasant in adverse situations," he commented.

"I know where I am, but I told the president that I feel strong, with desire. I think that the project is not finished, I cannot deceive the cules [fans]. From there, I want to continue, but it will continue to be a cruel environment. I see myself with energy and strength to continue."

Barcelona officials had consistently maintained in recent months that they were not approaching potential successors until they were sure Xavi was definitely leaving. That was seemingly never the case and president Joan Laporta confirmed at the same press conference that he was confident that Xavi could be persuaded to change his mind with the promise of certain changes.

"I always wanted him to continue," the president explained. "I also didn't say anything throughout the season because we were in an important sporting fight. The perception we had was that, if we made some necessary changes, we would give him arguments so he could continue."

Vice-president Rafa Yuste had earlier stated that Xavi never asked for particular changes to be made, although it was important for the hierarchy to offer continued support for progression of the project, specifically in allowing the coach and his staff to keep developing young players.

"We did not talk about changes at all. It was not difficult to convince anyone because Xavi has shown his enthusiasm. We must give him and his staff the support needed to continue with this project," Yuste explained. "There is a project that he wants to develop and continue. It is based on youth."

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