One of the players sold by Barcelona in the recent transfer window has revealed he had known for a while that his career at the Catalan club was going nowhere after Xavi Hernandez's appointment.
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Denmark international Martin Braithwaite departed the Blaugrana on deadline day for city rivals Espanyol after it appeared he was forced out as part of the club's overhauling of the first-team squad.
After joining Barca as an emergency signing in February 2020, the forward surprised many with his performances at the Spanish giants, but saw his game time drastically decrease following Xavi's arrival in the Camp Nou hot seat last year.
The 31-year-old has since suggested the five-time UEFA Champions League winners should reconsider their approach to clearing out their squad, before stating that he felt Xavi had little time for him.
"Did I take it as bullying? I actually don't know," he told Danish newspaper Ekstra Bladet.
"But I think it's important that you always think about other people's mental health.
"That's the way it is. I know how things work in this world. Unfortunately, football is also a business.
"In many ways, I can only smile a little at all the things that have taken place behind the scenes. I think I have disproved many critics. I was top scorer last season before I got injured.
"But then there was a change of coach, he wanted something else, and that is part of football life.
"Xavi didn't believe in my abilities, so I had to leave. I had known for a long time that the coach did not believe in me and that I had to move on from Barcelona."
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Braithwaite contributed to 15 goals in 58 appearances in all competitions for the club, and has scored twice in three matches since joining Espanyol.
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