Former FC Barcelona first-team coach, Ernesto Valverde Tejedor, has bid farewell to the club with a thank you letter to the fans, the Board of Directors and his colleagues.

His letter reads:

“Dear Barça fans,

“My time as FC Barcelona coach has come to an end. It has been an intense two and a half years right from the start. In that time I have enjoyed some joyful moments celebrating victories and trophies but also others that have been tough and difficult. However, above all I would like to highlight my experience with the fans and the affection showed towards me during my time as coach.

“I would like to thank the president Josep Maria Bartomeu and the Board of Directors for giving me the opportunity to coach the first team and their confidence during all this time. I would also like to thank all the people I have worked with at the Club for their support and how they treated me during the two and a half seasons, especially those who work in and around the first team and with whom I have shared so many moments at the Ciutat Esportiva and during away trips. Of course, I would like to thank the players for all their efforts that have allowed us to claim four trophies together. From this day, I wish them all the luck in the world and to the new coach Quique Setién also.

“All the best to everyone.”

Ernesto Valverde is a Spanish retired footballer who played as a forward.

Over ten seasons, he amassed La Liga totals of 264 games and 68 goals, adding 55 matches and nine goals in Segunda División.

He played for six teams in a 14-year professional career, including Espanyol, Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao.