Xavi Simons has finally revealed why he left Barcelona in 2019, ending a decade at La Masia. The Tottenham midfielder confirmed that the Catalan club's lack of faith in his abilities forced his hand, not financial incentives as rumours suggested. Speaking to The Sports Agents podcast, Simons provided clarity on a departure that marked one of Barcelona's most questionable decisions in recent youth development history.
"It was clear from the beginning that they did not believe in me," Simons stated. Barcelona informed him they had "another group of players they trusted" and that he did not form part of their core project. Rather than fight for minutes, the teenage prospect chose to join Paris Saint-Germain, where a world-class environment and mentorship awaited. At just 16 years old, Simons found himself training alongside global superstars—a scenario Barcelona could not offer.
The Neymar Factor
Simons credits much of his PSG integration to Neymar's personal support. "Neymar was the closest to me, and he told me: if you need anything, call me or send me a message," Simons recalled. "I will remain grateful to him forever." This mentorship proved invaluable during his formative years in Ligue 1, transforming what could have been an isolating move into a transformative period.
The rumours that haunted his exit—suggestions he departed for money—cut deeply. "I love Barcelona, and the spread of that account hurt me, and it also hurt my family, because it was not true," he said. His childhood at the club ran profound, but Barcelona's reluctance to invest faith in his potential left him no realistic path forward.
Recovery From Serious Injury
In April 2025, Simons suffered a cruciate ligament rupture that ruled him out of the 2026 World Cup. The injury's severity devastated him initially. "When they confirmed to me that it was the worst possible scenario, I felt as if the entire world had collapsed on top of my head," he admitted. However, his mindset has shifted toward gradual recovery rather than despair. "I am improving day by day, and that is something that makes me very happy," Simons noted as he approaches his second campaign with Tottenham.
Seven years after departing Barcelona, Simons has built an international reputation as a creative midfielder. His decision to trust PSG's vision over Barcelona's rejection ultimately vindicated his judgment, though the scars of being cast aside by the club where he grew up remain visible in his reflections.
