Andres Iniesta pays tribute to Xavi

Andres Iniesta has paid tribute to Barcelona teammate Xavi, who will leave the Catalan outfit after Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus.

At a press conference, Iniesta was asked to compare Xavi to Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo and the Spaniard had glowing words for both players.

"For me, Xavi is No.1 in this sense. I have had the fortune of having him as a teammate and as a friend for my whole career. It's been a privilege. I hope this last game for him will end with victory," Iniesta told reporters at a press conference.

"Regarding Pirlo, I think he is a worldwide reference point for everyone who watches him play. It's going to be a great game to watch and to have the chance to see these two players play is very special."

Pirlo is also expected to leave Juventus this summer.