Barcelona players paid tribute to Ernesto Valverde on social media after his sacking on Monday.

Valverde's dismissal took many inside the locker room by surprise as he was shown the door just minutes after taking the morning training session.

Captain Leo Messi posted: "Thank-you to the coach. I'm sure where you go, you will be great because in addition to being a great professional, you are a magnificent person."

Defender Gerard Pique said, "You leave the team by leaving it in the lead (Liga) and winning two championships in two years. It was an honor to work under your orders and I hope everything will go well for you."

And Luis Suarez also remarked: “Thank you very much for all the moments we have lived as professionals. I will stick to the positive things that you have taught me and the great being that you are.

"Thank you to you and all the staff for your professionalism."