Barcelona midfielder has waded into the debate over Jose Mourinho’s treatment of Iker Casillas by claiming the Spain goalkeeper has been treated like ‘dead wood’ in recent months.
In an interview with Marca, the seven-time La Liga winner said Casillas did not deserve the treatment he has received since January.
The 31-year-old shot stopper broke his finger at the turn of the year and although he has returned to full fitness, he has not won his place back in the side, with Mourinho opting for Diego Lopez.
In a spiky press conference last week, the Portuguese manager said his biggest mistake in his time in Madrid was not signing Lopez sooner.
But Xavi, who is a close friend of Casillas thanks to their time in the national side together, said: “In September, they were touting him for the Ballon d’Or and now it’s like he’s dead wood.”
