Barcelona’s sporting director Eric Audial said, in an interview with SPORT, that the club met Xavi Hernandez but did not make him a contract offer.

“There was no offer. If he’s got one, let him show it because I haven’t seen it,” said Abidal. “In the first meeting we had Xavi listened and in the second he had to tell us his plan. What came out in the media was more political than sporting. I don’t do politics. I only talk football. What interests me is the way a coach works and many things came out apart from what we talked about.”

Asked if he was annoyed by the Xavi speculation, Abidal said: “Annoyed? No. I did my job. I stuck with a couple of coaches and nothing leaked. If anything did, I did it the same because it’s my job. It’s impossible to sign a coach without speaking to him. After that, whatever leaks leaks.”

On Xavi, he added: “He doesn’t have that much experience. It’s true he’s from here. It could be his moment, or not. The club bet on Quique Setien for two years and we believe in him a lot. The door to Xavi is always open. I don’t know if I will be here, but Barca always have the door open.”