Barcelona can cope with Xavi exit says Gerard Pique

Gerard Pique says Barcelona are prepared to lose Xavi in the summer as reports link the iconic midfielder with a move to Qatar.

Veteran playmaker Xavi has been heavily linked with a move to Al Sadd iat the end of the current season but, contrary to reports a deal has already been done, the 35-year-old said a recent trip to Qatar was “just a visit”.

Xavi holds the record for Barcelona appearances and has racked up a string of honours for club and country since making his first-team bow for the Catalan giants back in 1998.

Pique, who has played alongside Xavi at club and international for a number of years, says the midfielder’s departure will leave a void, but they have recovered from big-name departures before and he believes Barca are ready for life without him.

“Barca are prepared for everything – the best players with the Ballon d’Or and the best coaches have left,” he told Europa Press.

“[Carles] Puyol left, Pep [Guardiola] left, and it seemed that without them [Barca] would not be able to live. Life goes on.

“If Xavi leaves it will be an important absence, he is the emblem of the team and of La Masia [the club’s academy], but the team is going to continue.”

Luis Enrique’s side return to action following the international break when they travel to Celta Vigo on Sunday, as they hope to maintain their four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga.