Xavi Simons: Barça Didn't Believe in Me, Joining PSG Was the Best Decision of My Life

Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons has shed light on his 2019 departure from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain, stating that the Catalan club had lost faith in him.

“It was crystal clear from their side that they didn't believe in me. At the time, I chose not to say anything because I was solely focused on football. But they told me: ‘We have other players we believe in and want to offer contracts to, but you are not among those who are truly part of our project.’ For me, everything became obvious after that,” Simons shared in an interview with “The Sports Agents.”

The Dutch international, who spent his entire childhood in the Blaugrana academy, admitted that the speculation at the time hurt him and his family.

“People don't know what actually happened; they judge based on what they’ve heard. But here’s the real story. I spent my whole life there. I went through different stages, experienced everything – my entire childhood was spent at that club, which is why I love Barcelona. Everything that was written back then caused pain to both me and my family,” he added.

Simons explained that the decision to accept PSG’s offer was an easy one, despite being only 16 years old.

“Everything was very simple: at that moment, Barça bet on other boys, and I accepted it. At the same time, I had an offer from PSG with a truly big project. I was 16 years old and training with the best footballers in the world, so the decision was easy,” the midfielder said.

Although he didn't get much playing time in Paris, Simons considers his stint there an invaluable experience.

“When friends ask me, I tell them it was the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. Maybe people say I didn't play, but I was alongside Neymar, Messi, and Mbappé. It’s very difficult to get playing time when they want to play in every match. But it was the best experience I could have gotten because I learned so much from them,” Xavi Simons concluded.