Louis van Gaal and Andres Iniesta led the tributes in an emotional farewell for Barcelona legend Xavi.
Xavi, 35, will end his long association with the Catalan giants at the end of the season, with his final appearance likely to come in Saturday's Champions League final.
The Spaniard joined the club's famous La Masia youth system at the age of 11 and has developed into a central figure in a glorious era for them, winning several trophies including eight La Liga titles.
At an event organised by the club on Wednesday that brought Xavi to tears, Barca playmaker Iniesta said: "The difficult part will be carrying on at the most demanding club in the world with your memory all around us.
"I can't imagine what the first training session without you, advising us, helping the young players, will be like.
"You always thought about the team before yourself and it's thanks to you that all of us have become better players because you have lived through everything at this club.
"We know that one day you return because your heart and soul is claret and blue. Thank you my friend, you're the greatest."
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, who managed Barca in two stints, said via a video message: "Xavi, you are not bad, you are very good."
Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu added: "Xavi we hope that one day you will return, and we will be waiting for you.
"You have spent a long time saying thank you to the club but today, on behalf of all barcelonistas, it is our turn to thank you."