Luis Enrique confirms he's leaving Barcelona this summer
Barcelona coach Luis Enrique spoke after Barça's 6-1 win over Sporting Gijón to confirm he will not be renewing his contract with the club when it terminates at the end of June.
Luis Enrique to leave Barcelona in the summer
Luis Enrique has said that he will not be renewing his contract when it finishes at the end of June this year, saying he will "need a rest".
The Barça coach made the announcement at the end of the press conference after Barcelona's 6-1 win over Sporting Gijón tonight at the Camp Nou.
Luis Enrique statement:
"It's a very difficult decision for me, one I've thought about a lot, but I think I need to be true to myself and fair to my way of thinking. In the pre-season I had a meeting with Albert Soler and Robert Fernández where I mooted the possibility that I might not renew my contract. They told me there was no rush to take the decision. That moment has arrived. I'm announcing it. The reason is I live my work looking for solutions and it gives me little time to rest.
I'll need a rest and that's the main reason. I'd like to thank the club for the confidence they've shown in me over my time [here]. They gave me the chance to coach the B team, I did that, and these three years have been unforgettable. I thank the club for all the support and professionalism and I'm not forgetting there are still three incredible months to go. I think we can turn [the tie] around and if the stars are in our favour we can go through. Maximum effort and nothing more. The moment to say goodbye as the club deserves will come.
Luis Enrique contract finishes at the end of June 2017
Luis Enrique's contract finishes on 30 June, but the coach has taken the decision to announce his departure in advance.
Bartomeu: "New coach to be announced 1 July"
The Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu said the club were losing a top coach and said Luis Enrique's replacement would be announced on 1 July.
Follow the match LaLiga 2016/2017 date 26 : Barcelona –Celta.