Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has said he’d leave Barcelona at the end of the season.

The 44-year-old made the announcement on Saturday after his side lost 5-3 at home to Villarreal in La Liga.

Despite his success last season, Xavi has come under increased pressure at Barcelona this season, amid poor results.

Xavi has now said it will be almost impossible for Barcelona to have a long-term manager like Sir Alex Ferguson who spent 26 years as Manchester United manager.

“People talk about there being a [Sir Alex] Ferguson at Barcelona, but that is impossible at this club,” Xavi told the media after announcing his decision to leave.

“The feeling of being a Barca coach is cruel and unpleasant. There is a lot of disrespect and it affects you, until it leads to a decision like this one.”