Rafael marquez

UEFA Champions League: FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has reversed his decision to step down as first-team coach at the end of the current season and will now see out his contract until the end of June 2025. Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste confirmed the news late on Wednesday night outside the home of the club's president Joan Laporta following a meeting with Xavi.

"Xavi will stay, he's really happy and excited," Yuste told waiting journalists, before insisting the club had "never opened talks with any other coach."

Earlier on Wednesday, Xavi held face-to-face talks with Laporta and Barcelona's sporting director Deco in which he indicated he had changed his mind about the decision he made in January, reports Xinhua.