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PHOTOS: Xavi gets emotional farewell tribute from the FC Barcelona

June 05, 2015 08:27 IST

Xavi Hernandez poses during his institutional tribute at Camp Nou on Wednesday

Xavi Hernandez poses during his institutional tribute at Camp Nou on Wednesday. Photograph: FB Barcelona/Facebook

FC Barceloana laid out a memorable tribute to veteran midfielder Xavi Hernandez on Wednesday.

Xavi set to leave his boyhood club, after the Champions League final on Saturday, to join Qatari club Al-Sadd.

Xavi Hernandez with the trophies he has won during his career at FC Barcelona

Xavi Hernandez with the trophies he has won with FC Barcelona. Photograph: FC Barcelona

So, before his departure, the club gave the magnificent midfielder an institutional tribute as they celebrated his time at the Camp Nou.

Xavi posed with the 24 trophies he had won at the club -- an extraordinary collection of silverware.

The pass-master has won 8 Ligas, 3 Spanish Cups, 3 Champions Leagues, 6 Spanish Super Cups, 2 European Super Cups and 2 Club World Cups. He will be hoping to add another trophy to this collection when Barca play Juventus in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday.

Andres Iniesta presents Xavi a huge cut-out of his jersey

Andres Iniesta presents Xavi a huge painting of his jersey. Photograph: FC Barcelona/Facebook

At the institutional tribute, Andres Iniesta, Xavi’s midfield partner, presented the latter with a painting of his jersey.

The Catalan hero was also gifted an aerial-shot photograph of the Camp Nou in all its splendour.

Xavi gets a hug from former teammate and captain Carles Puyol

Xavi is greeted by former teammate and captain Carles Puyol. Photograph: FC Barcelona/Facebook

Among those who came to say their farewells to Xavi were former Barca captain Carles Puyol.

However, other big Barca players in Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique, Ivan Rakitic among others who had to miss the event because of UEFA anti-doping control.

Messi posted on his Facebook page: ‘We couldn't go to Xavi's press conference because of UEFA anti-doping control.’

The UEFA Champions League final will be played in Berlin on Saturday.

Rediff Sports Desk