Xavi Reveals His Role in Signing Raphinha and Praises Rising Star Yamal
Former Barcelona player and manager Xavi Hernandez has been vocal in the media recently, sharing insights about his time at the club. In March, he admitted to attempting to re-sign Lionel Messi during his tenure at Spotify Camp Nou, although that effort did not materialize. However, he successfully brought in several key players during the summer of 2022, including Robert Lewandowski, Jules Kounde, Andreas Christensen, and Raphinha. Xavi claims credit for the acquisition of Raphinha from Leeds United, stating, "I signed Raphinha. I already wanted him when he was in Portugal. I have given him a lot of confidence. If he didn’t perform, I had to take him off. I have a conversation with him because he was frustrated. I told him to be calm like he was five years old, and now he has exploded. He is a leader." In addition to Raphinha, Xavi also played a crucial role in the development of Lamine Yamal, who made his first-team debut under Xavi's management. The 18-year-old has drawn comparisons to Messi, which Xavi supports: "Yamal can be compared to Messi. He’s a chosen one. It all depends on him, his mentality and his desire to want to make history. He can be the best in the world. He’s already among them." As Xavi looks ahead, this summer could be pivotal for his career, as he awaits new management opportunities. With several top clubs likely to seek new coaches in the coming months, Xavi may soon find himself in high demand.
Source: Football España - 2026-04-27