'Tasted bad to me' - Xavi opens up on Ousmane Dembele's exit from Barcelona ahead of Champions League clash with PSG

Barcelona have a chance to make it to the Champions League semi-final for the first time since the 2018/19 season as they enjoy a 3-2 lead over Paris Saint-Germain from the first leg. Ahead of hosting the Ligue 1 giants on Tuesday at Montjuic Stadium, manager Xavi admitted that he did not like Ousmane Dembele's departure from the club last summer.

The France international left for his homeland ahead of the 2023/24 season as he departed Barcelona after spending six years at the club when PSG triggered his €50.4 million (£43m/$55m) release clause. Dembele was on target in the first leg despite his team going down against the Catalan giants.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the second leg, Xavi opened up on the winger's departure as he said, "I felt bad about Ousmane because he was in an extraordinary moment here. I hold no grudges, and tomorrow I’ll greet him with all respect. I have a lot of affection for him."

When further asked about the home fans jeering their former player, the manager added, "I don't hold a grudge against him. Tomorrow I'll greet him, as I did in Paris. With respect, I appreciate him. Let people show what they feel."

After facing PSG in the Champions League tie on Tuesday, the reigning Spanish champions will prepare to face arch-rivals Real Madrid in a crucial La Liga fixture on Sunday.