Twitter Reacts as Barcelona Legend Xavi Announces Move to Qatar

Xavi Hernandez first pulled on a Barcelona shirt in 1991 when he arrived at La Masia as a precocious 11-year-old. Twenty-four years later, after winning every trophy available and helping to change the modern game, the Spanish midfielder has announced his intention to leave the Blaugrana for Qatari side Al Sadd, who have given him a three-year contract, as per the BBC.

The 35-year-old's decision has triggered a wave of gratitude, disbelief, nostalgia and skepticism from fans all over the world on Twitter. The hashtag #GraciesXavi trended as admirers of the midfielder expressed their appreciation for his efforts...

"

Thank you Xavi for all the wonderful years & displays of genius on the field. Forever my favorite Blaugrana! #Legend pic.twitter.com/0qVGjgK7QL

— Alex Lopez (@_LopezAlex) May 21, 2015"

"

Thankyou Xavi Hernandez you are a legend

— Andreas Edgar P (@andreas_edgarp) May 21, 2015"

"

Thank you Xavi pic.twitter.com/eicSB5jWyK

— BarcaHD (@Barcelona_HD) May 21, 2015"

"

Xavi wasn't the fastest, strongest, biggest, tallest, most skilful,but his intelligence made him one of the greatest https://t.co/wO7265auw0

— Niko (@Nikomarvel) May 21, 2015"

Despite his advanced years, relative lack of use this season and the inevitability that he would move on, the news gave his fans all of the sads...

"

I will miss Xavi's eyebrows

— Luke Aaron Moore (@lukeymoore) May 21, 2015"

"

Xavi is leaving!? WTF NOOOOOOOO!

— Dalila ♔ (@xProudToBeACule) May 21, 2015"

"

Xavi is crying, I'm crying we're all crying.

— Ubah. (@xUbahA) May 21, 2015"

Xavi held a tearful press conference on Thursday, but the manner of his departure was a little more understated than that of Steven Gerrard. This fact did not go unnoticed...

Plenty of statistics were being bandied about on Twitter, including some particularly incredible passing numbers...

"

If you have an exam, wear Xavi's Jersey. You'll pass for sure.. pic.twitter.com/JMxGoZKyBI

— Neymar Jr. (@NeyMarvellous) May 21, 2015"

"

In last 23 years, Real Madrid: 24 titles Xavi in 17 years: 26 TITLES.. pic.twitter.com/XNuw4UXlul

— Messi Stats (@MESSlSTATS) May 21, 2015"

"

Xavi has assisted 32 of Messi's 407 goals for Barcelona https://t.co/SpvUNqX0il

— MESSISTATS (@MessiStats) May 21, 2015"

While the praise was heaped on thick, quite a few Twitter users questioned Xavi's motivations to move to a place like Qatar while wondering why he chose not to retire a one-club player...

"

Xavi. Now, just another former one club man who's sold his soul to the riches of the oil rich east. Massive shame!

— Davidson (@iand86) May 21, 2015"

Some also expressed disappointment at the tiki-taka exponent's decision to choose the Middle East over a few years in America...

Despite the serious tone and emotion, the banter cup did overfloweth, too...

"

The second best midfielder to ever wear a Barcelona shirt has retired, good bye Xavi pic.twitter.com/J0fpQhlPPu

— Jack Brown (@jmb2302) May 21, 2015"

"

Xavi taking pictures with madrid trophies this season pic.twitter.com/YHs8NW2NN3

— モハメッド (@7alwachi) May 21, 2015"

Barcelona added to the online malaise with the release of a tribute video to their departing star. If you love legendary Spaniards scoring goals to a Tina Turner soundtrack, this is for you...

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