Dani Alves admits he’s “in a state of shock” after learning Barcelona team-mate Xavi Hernandez would be leaving the club to join Al Arabi in Qatar.

Al Arabi coach Dan Petrescu recently claimed Xavi, who is in Brazil on international duty with Spain, has agreed a pre-contract with the Qatari club.

The 34-year-old has a contract with Barca until 2016 but his future remains uncertain following the appointment of new Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique.

Alves, who has played alongside Xavi at Barcelona for six seasons, was informed of the midfielder’s reported exit and couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

"I don't believe it — you're pulling my leg," AS reported him as saying. "It can't be. Xavi? If Xavi leaves, who is the symbol? If he leaves, then anyone can leave.

"I do not understand it. You have left me in a state of shock. That is for sure? It can't be. Xavi cannot leave Barca."

Alves has also been linked with a move away from the Camp Nou, with a reported offer from Ligue 1 champions Paris St Germain on the table.

But when asked about his own situation, the Brazil full-back was still recovering from the Xavi news.

"I hope I am [staying], I believe so — but now you have left me shocked," he added. "You are pulling my leg with that about Xavi, no?"