BARCELONA, March 1 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has confirmed on Wednesday he would leave the Spanish La Liga powerhouse at the end of the season.

He said he would leave after his contract runs out in the summer at a press conference following Barcelona's 6-1 rout of relegation-threatened Sporting Gijon at the Nou Camp.

Luis Enrique said it was a very difficult decision and stated "I have thought about a lot, but I think I need to be true to myself and fair to my way of thinking".

The coach said he needed time to rest. "I will need a rest and that is the main reason. I would like to thank the club for the confidence they have shown in me over my time here," he said, adding "these three years have been unforgettable."

Club president Josep Maria Bartomeu said: "Luis Enrique has brought us great success and he can still bring us more. The players are motivated to do it," while the club accepts Luis Enrique's decision.

"He has been a great coach. Now it is time to end his spell in the best possible way," he said.

Luis Enrique has won eight trophies since he took over Barca in May, 2017.

【体坛英语资讯：Luis Enrique to leave FC Barcelona at the end of season】相关文章：

★ 体坛英语资讯：China surprises world in rowing

★ 体坛英语资讯：German Football Federation wish to extend contract with Low

★ 体坛英语资讯：Turkey, Czech in must-win game, Swiss out of hope against Portugal

★ 体坛英语资讯：Government cooperation needed in doping fight

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Madonna returns to Michigan roots to show her film

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Jennifer Aniston staying at a haunted hotel

★ 体坛英语资讯：Special athletes assured of a happy environment

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Katie Holmes runs NYC marathon

★ 体坛英语资讯：Beijing Olympic flame reaches India

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Kidman denies pregnancy rumours