Xavi Simons Explains Barcelona Exit: 'They Didn't Believe in Me'

Xavi Simons has broken his silence regarding his departure from Barcelona in 2019, a move that sparked considerable discussion at the time. The Dutch midfielder, who spent nearly a decade at Barcelona's famed La Masia academy and was considered a top talent, ultimately chose to leave for Paris Saint-Germain.

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It was clear from the beginning that they didn't believe in me.

While the reasons for his transfer were not fully disclosed then, many speculated it was for financial gain. Seven years later, Simons offered his perspective in a British podcast, "The Sports Agents." He revealed, "It was clear from the beginning that they didn't believe in me." Simons elaborated that Barcelona's management told him, "We have other players we believe in. We want to offer you a contract, but you are not one of the players who is truly part of the project."

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We have other players we believe in. We want to offer you a contract, but you are not one of the players who is truly part of the project.

Simons did not hide the emotional toll his departure took, describing it as a difficult moment given his deep connection to the Catalan club. "I spent my whole life there. I went through everything at this club and spent my entire childhood there, so I love Barcelona. That's why it hurt so much for me and my family," he shared.

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I spent my whole life there. I went through everything at this club and spent my entire childhood there, so I love Barcelona. That's why it hurt so much for me and my family.

The move to Paris Saint-Germain, he explained, represented a significant opportunity for his development. "For me, everything went well because Paris Saint-Germain had a very big project. I was already training with some of the best players in the world at 16. There wasn't much to think about – the decision was easy. Barcelona didn't believe in me and for me, the choice was obvious."

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For me, everything went well because Paris Saint-Germain had a very big project. I was already training with some of the best players in the world at 16. There wasn't much to think about – the decision was easy. Barcelona didn't believe in me and for me, the choice was obvious.