Former Atletico Madrid captain Gabi has taken a swipe at Barcelona over the dismissal of Ernesto Valverde.

Gabi is currently playing for Al Sadd, where Xavi is head coach and it is the Barca legend who was at the centre of Valverde's sacking last month.

Barca sports chief Eric Abidal made a move for Xavi while Valverde was still under contract and was eventually turned down by his former teammate. Valverde would days later be sacked and replaced by Quique Setien.

Gabi said: "We did not know until he (Xavi) told us. I think he was clear. Xavi knows that this opportunity will come (again).

"Everything has been a circus. Those situations leave Barcelona looking bad."

Gabi was also asked about rumours of returning to Atletico as coach Diego Simeone's assistant.

"Rumours come to you. I keep playing. I know the locker room, but I don't know if it's time. If it comes, I'll make the decision. Now with Cholo I talk less. I've been helping him for eight years.

"I'd learn a lot from Cholo although I know how he works. It would be a masterclass and if that situation comes I will think about it."