Xavi thanks squad for support after confirming he will remain as Barcelona boss

Barcelona have confirmed Xavi is to stay on as head coach after re-thinking his decision to leave the club at the end of the season.

The 44-year-old, who made more than 500 appearances for Barca during a trophy-laden playing career, announced in January that he would step down, believing his team needed a “change of dynamic”.

However, reports emerged on Wednesday that he had performed a U-turn after meetings with the club’s hierarchy and his decision was confirmed by president Joan Laporta on Thursday.