‘I think’: Xavi shares honest thoughts on Barcelona renaming stadium to the Spotify Camp Nou

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Xavi has been speaking to the media after Barcelona announced a multi-year partnership with Spotify, which will see the Camp Nou renamed.

What’s the story?

Well, Xavi sounded quite pleased with the news that Barcelona would be pairing up with Spotify for the next four seasons.

When speaking about the partnership, which begins from the 2022/23 campaign, Xavi told Mundo Deportivo: “I think it’s very good, it’s a step forward. It’s an important brand, young, modern, it’s music. They’ve worked very well in the marketing area.”

Clearly, the 42-year-old approves of the agreement, which is said to be worth £235m to the Spanish giants.

In striking a deal with Barcelona, Spotify have become the first brand ever to sponsor the Camp Nou – the stadium has never been renamed up until now.

The Swedish company’s logo will also decorate the front of Barcelona’s shirts, for both the men’s and women’s teams.

Spotify Camp Nou sounds strange

We can understand why Barcelona have struck an agreement with Spotify, as their financial situation is worrying.

The £235m will be important to the Blaugrana, in that respect.

However, there’s something far from romantic about the renaming of a stadium as iconic as the Camp Nou.

It shows that nothing is safe from being commercialised at a football club, not even a stadium steeped in rich history, and one which has never been renamed before now.

In a few years, we’ll be surprised if sponsors aren’t coated over pretty much everything at a football club, from the balls to the training mannequins.

It’s somewhat sad to see, although with other clubs being taken over by Saudi Arabian billionaires, we suppose others will have to go to measures like this to keep up.