Xavi has criticized Real Madrid for their treatment of Iker Casillas in his exit from the club.

A tearful Casillas appeared alone in the Bernabéu press room on Sunday and the 34-year-old choked up several times as he read a farewell statement that brought to an end 16 seasons in the Real first team.

Florentino Perez has been accused of forcing Casillas to leave.

Real Madrid responded by organizing an official presentation on Monday with Perez and Casillas at the Bernabeu.

The contrast between Sunday’s surreal appearance and the send-off Barça gave Casillas’ close friend Xavi was telling.

“That’s why it leaves a bad taste what is happening with him now,” Xavi wrote. “In recent years, I have seen that he is not enjoying himself like before. He even seems bitter and I think everyone in this country should think about this.

“It cannot be that maturing Spanish athletes are not shown sufficient respect, that people neglect to value everything they have done for their sport and instead focus on their defects, sometimes with malicious intent.”

Xavi drew a comparison with the Juventus and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who he said still appeared to be enjoying himself in goal at the age of 37.

“I look at Iker and I have the feeling that lately he is playing under pressure, as if he has to prove what a great keeper he is in every match, without the joy he always had. Now he is going to Porto and I am sure he will be welcomed as a hero. Away from here they will appreciate him more.”