I was especially sad to see Xabi leave this summer, because of how well he played last season.
The previous summer, I was ambivalent about selling him. I liked him as a player but I was of the opinion, rightly or wrongly, that he had been below par for 2 seasons. So, if we thought we could improve by replacing him, I would have gone along with it.
The way I interpret the comments today, I can't help but think, if Rafa hadn't attempted to sell him last summer, would Xabi have played as well last season? There is strong evidence across a number of sports that players angling for a trade or a new contract, raise their game.
But then again, Xabi has always appeared to be the model professional, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt.