Xavi has revealed he was set to join New York City before Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu called him and convinced him to change his mind.
The 34-year-old was on the brink of joining the new MLS Franchise during the off season after playing a bit-part role in Tata Martino's season at the helm of the Blaugrana.
However, the World Cup winning midfielder was contacted by the club president, who convinced him to reconsider his decision to leave the club.
"The decision was made. I was going to New York. It was all done. A call from Bartomeu was what changed everything," Xavi revealed in an interview with Sport. "He called my agent and told him that he wanted me here.
"Before I went to the World Cup I told them I thought my time at Barcelona was over. I did not feel useful and thought it was not to be.
"After the World Cup I received a call from Bartomeu and then talked to Luis Enrique.
"He told me I'm going to be a very useful player, that if I prove it, I'll play, that I'm still competitive and they thought of me well, that we would have a good year.
"He convinced me. It was decisive. I changed. We already had bags packed with my wife to go to New York."
Xavi, who has made 13 appearances in La Liga so far this season, believes he made the right decision, and spoke of his delight at being part of a team which he feels is heading in the right direction.
"I'm happy. I'm enjoying it. I would never have imagined it. I feel useful, I feel competitive," he added.
"There are days that I felt I played well, I had good games and good performances and I think the team is going in the right direction."
Barca currently sit second in La Liga, one point adrift of Real Madrid who hold a game in hand.
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