Xavi ‘convinced’ key Barcelona star not to depart last summer | OneFootball

Former Barcelona head coach Xavi played an important role in convincing a star member of the club’s midfield setup not to seek out a departure from the club in the not-so-distant past.

That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Marc Casadó as the player in question.

The name of youngster Casadó has of course taken its place centre stage in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital across the day to date.

This comes after the 21-year-old was afforded a first-ever call-up to the Spanish senior national team.

Casadó is for his part in the midst of an exceptional opening to the season, which has seen the midfielder establish himself as a pivotal member of Barcelona boss Hansi Flick’s squad.

So impressive has he looked, in fact, that Casadó is now being tipped to carve out a long-term career for himself at the Camp Nou.

As alluded to above, though, had it not been for the intervention of Xavi Hernández, prior to his dismissal, then Barcelona could very well have found themselves moving forward without the services of the club’s engine room gem.

As per a report from Mundo Deportivo:

‘Casadó had offers from outside and he considered leaving. Xavi convinced him to stay because he understood that he would be an important player this season.’

Conor Laird – GSFN