Xavi to start final La Liga game

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique confirmed that Xavi Hernandez will captain the side on his 505th and final La Liga appearance for the Catalans at home to Deportivo la Coruna on Saturday.

The 35-year-old announced on Thursday that he will leave the club for Qatari side Al-Sadd after a 17-year playing career that has already seen him win 23 trophies at club level.

And he could yet leave with two more trophies as Barca face Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final in Xavi’s last ever match at the Camp Nou next weekend before meeting Juventus in the Champions League final on June 6.

“Xavi will start tomorrow,” Enrique told a press conference on Friday.

“Without him in the dressing room it will obviously be different. He has taken the decision that he believes is best for him.

“The years go by and everyone gets older. We have all spoken about what he has meant, continues to mean and will mean in the future for the club. He still has the chance to win two more titles.”

Former Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen will also make his debut after an injury-ravaged season as Enrique admitted he will make a number of changes with the upcoming finals in mind.