Former Barcelona defender Eric Abidal has paid tribute to Xavi. Abidal admits Xavi has acted as a link between the coach and Lionel Messi.

"He's a player with a lot of experience. People said that he would leave and he decided to stay for another year. I think that he's the most important player in the dressing room.

"I'm certain he hasn't just been the link between the gaffer and Leo, but between the gaffer and other players too. He's someone that knows how the club works on a day-to-day basis, what big games are like, the sort of talks that are required."