Las Palmas coach Javi Garcia Pimienta has leapt to support Barcelona counterpart Xavi.

Garcia Pimienta is a former Barca Atletic coach and is close to Xavi, who has announced he will leave at the end of the season.

He said, “Xavi is Barça, he feels a lot about the club.

“Football is thankless," he continued, “he trained in Qatar and came to Barcelona at a difficult time, risking his future to help the club. He won the league, but football has no memory.

"He deserves the best.

“He is a great guy, I say it clearly. We are friends. He deserves the best.

"For me he was one of the best midfielders that Barça has ever had and the best in the history of Spain in his position."

Pimienta also has good words about Xavi himself.

“I have friends within his technical staff and in that locker room, and two speak well of him. He deserves all the luck in the world. I wish that Barça, with him, wins more titles."