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Cape Town - Former Spain international Xavi Hernandez believes Riyad Mahrez is good enough to play for Barcelona, but has nonetheless backed the player's decision to stay at Leicester City.
The Algeria international was the toast of the town after playing a key role in Leicester's historic title win last season, bagging an impressive 17 goals and providing 11 assists.
His stand-out performances earned him the PFA Player of the Year award, before being linked with several top clubs in the off-season.
The likes of Arsenal and Barcelona were credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, who ultimately decided to commit his future to the Foxes by penning a new long-term contract.
When asked about rumours linking Mahrez with a move to Barcelona, Xavi told Shortlist website: "Mahrez is good enough to play for Barcelona, but I am pleased he decided to stay with Leicester.
"He clearly must have had options, but if Leicester had lost their best player after such a big achievement it would have been a shame.
"It will be interesting to see how him and Leicester perform in Europe this season."
The Algeria international was the toast of the town after playing a key role in Leicester's historic title win last season, bagging an impressive 17 goals and providing 11 assists.
His stand-out performances earned him the PFA Player of the Year award, before being linked with several top clubs in the off-season.
The likes of Arsenal and Barcelona were credited with an interest in the 25-year-old, who ultimately decided to commit his future to the Foxes by penning a new long-term contract.
When asked about rumours linking Mahrez with a move to Barcelona, Xavi told Shortlist website: "Mahrez is good enough to play for Barcelona, but I am pleased he decided to stay with Leicester.
"He clearly must have had options, but if Leicester had lost their best player after such a big achievement it would have been a shame.
"It will be interesting to see how him and Leicester perform in Europe this season."
