Pedri urges Xavi to stay at Barcelona after PSG victory

Barcelona midfielder Pedri has urged Xavi to rethink his decision to step down at the end of the season.

Xavi revealed in January that he plans to leave the club this summer, blaming the pressure and stress of managing Barcelona for his abrupt exit, but his announcement led to a massive upturn in form from the team.

Indeed, Barcelona are unbeaten in the 12 games since Xavi revealed his plan to leave, picking up eight victories and a huge 3-2 victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, in which Pedri marked his return from injury with an impressive assist.

After the game, Pedri urged Xavi to remain with Barcelona for at least one more season.

«We have always been with the coach to the death and as long as he is with us it will be like that,» Pedri explained. «We hope it will be many days together.

»[Xavi] grew up at Barca and we try to defend the club like he did as a player. I hope you think again, Xavi, and stay for a long time."

A number of Barcelona officials have also urged Xavi to rethink his decision but the boss has repeatedly insisted there has been no change to his thought process.

Asked whether Wednesday's victory could help change his mind, Xavi responded: «It's time to enjoy and finish the job. On Tuesday we have a crucial match and then Cadiz on Saturday.

»But [this victory] doesn't change anything."

Barca vice-president Rafa Yuste has admitted he plans to keep trying to convince Xavi to stay, while reported earlier this month that president Joan Laporta is also doing everything he can to retain Xavi's services.

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