Xavi reacts to striker’s move to Chelsea

Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, has reacted to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure to Chelsea on transfer deadline day.

Xavi, who saw the Catalans complete moves for Aubameyang in January said it felt bad to see the striker leave.

Aubameyang moved to Stamford Bridge in a transfer deal worth £10 million with Marcos Alonso moving in the opposite direction.

During his time at Camp Nou, he former Arsenal striker scored 13 times in 23 matches.

“I feel bad because he helped us a lot,” said Xavi during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“He is an example on and off the pitch, he made a big difference, just look at his numbers. As a person, he is a jewel, always training with a smile on his face. It’s a shame because these kinds of players you want to have in your squad but it was a good opportunity for him and for the club as well.

“We needed to put the pieces of the puzzle together, we are all happy but I feel bad as a coach to lose a player like Aubameyang. He was an example for the entire club and all the players.”