Luis Enrique Shocks Barcelona Players With Departure Announcement

Luis Enrique left his players speechless after announcing he would be leaving Barcelona following the season.

The 46-year-old manager decided to reveal his plans following a 6-1 win over Sporting Gijon on Wednesday at Camp Nou.

Ivan Rakitic says the news came as a huge shock and admits he had been expecting Enrique to remain at the club.

“Luis Enrique told us his decision first,” Rakitic told reporters.

“He came into the dressing-room and told us that he will leave the team. We were all shocked. We didn’t know anything.

“I wasn’t expecting it, I thought he was going to stay. But the squad accept it and we wish him all the best.

?”We want to finish the season successfully, enjoy what is left of it and bring him the most possible titles.

“He has all of our support and hopefully he has a happy conclusion to his time here.”

Barcelona’s win over Sporting, coupled with Madrid’s draw at Las Palmas means that the Catalan giants now top the Liga table by a point.

Rakitic says the team are now determined to end the season well and ensure their manager goes out on a high.

“Now, calmly and with everyone together, we are going to work so that he finishes in the best way possible,” he added.

“His decision is clear and now there is peace of mind. We really are with the boss completely.”