Barcelona chief Deco admits Xavi's resignation took him by surprise.

Xavi announced a fortnight ago that he would be stepping down at the end of the season.

Deco told La Vanguardia: "I didn't expect it... There is always speculation, but I never thought about that. We were talking about the next season, he was renewed for that reason.

"The president always wanted to be with him until the end of his term. It was Xavi who from the beginning wanted a shorter contract. He told us: 'If I don't win, I think I won't continue.'

"He has already explained a lot. My feeling is that the League that was won last year was not valued too much and should have been done. The fans celebrated it, but the press and at a general level downplayed its importance. I understand the demand, but I also understand Xavi's frustration at not feeling valued. He came at an important moment in which he must have put a lot of courage into it. He stood up for the club.

"From there, each one knows to what extent things affect him and if he is willing to put up with it or not."

He added, "At the moment we have not spoken with any coach. We are assimilating the coach's departure."