Shocking twist! Joan Laporta reveals what really happened with Xavi Hernández: 'I said no'

FC Barcelona is experiencing a moment of maximum happiness and excitement after several very difficult years. The rebuilding process hasn't been easy, but the general feeling among the culé community is that the club is once again looking to the future with ambition. Joan Laporta has had to make very difficult decisions since he returned to the presidency, but thanks to that, Barça is now much healthier and ready to compete.

The president's role has been key in this process, both economically and in sports. The activation of levers, the commitment to a new sports project, and the courage to close chapters have defined his term. Not everything has been perfect, but Barça can boast about being a relevant player on the European stage again due to Joan Laporta's persistence.

Xavi Hernández returns to the spotlight

In that rebuilding process, the figure of Xavi Hernández has been of utmost importance. The Egarense took charge of the bench at a critical moment, with a locker room that was emotionally devastated and without a clear playing model. Despite the difficulties, he managed to help Barça regain competitiveness in LaLiga and brought the team back into the fight for titles.

Xavi managed to win a very commendable league title, based on defensive solidity that contrasted with previous years. Beyond the trophy, he earned the recognition of much of the fanbase for his unwavering faith in La Masia. He trusted young players like Lamine, Balde, or Cubarsí and defended the badge to the very end, even when the context didn't help.

However, Xavi's time as Barça's coach didn't have a peaceful ending. After several weeks of rumors, announcements, and retractions, his departure ultimately happened through the back door. The official narrative had always left gray areas, and now Joan Laporta has decided to fill those gaps.

Joan Laporta tells the whole truth about Xavi Hernández's departure

In a revealing interview given to Esport 3, the president reviewed point by point everything surrounding Xavi's departure. Joan Laporta wanted to offer his version to explain why trust was definitively broken. His words have surprised many due to their clarity and level of detail.

"Xavi had announced his departure, saying he would leave at the end of the season. Then he asked to meet at my house to explain that he wanted to continue. I asked him if he believed in the team and he told me he'd make those players champions 100%", Joan Laporta began.

"A week later, I heard him say that he and the team would need two years to be competitive. Then, talking to Deco, he asked for many player changes, and that's when I said no". For Joan Laporta, that contradiction between the internal and external discourse was decisive: he couldn't keep someone in charge of the bench who, in his view, no longer conveyed conviction.

For Barcelona fans, Joan Laporta's words help contextualize an end of an era that many didn't understand at the time. The president wanted to recall the past to make it clear that his decision was justified.  Now it will be the fans who must pass judgment on his statements.