Van Bronckhorst spent four seasons at the Nou Camp and was part of the team which won two Primera Liga titles and a Champions League under former coach Frank Rijkaard.

However, the player quit Spain last summer to return to the club where he came to prominence over a decade ago, Feyenoord.

Following his departure, Barcelona suffered their worst campaign in five years under Rijkaard, finishing 18 points behind champions Real Madrid in third place.

"It was a very complicated season (for Barcelona), without doubt a season to forget," he told Sport.

And the 33-year-old, who scored Holland's third goal in the 3-0 win over Italy in their opening Euro 2008 game on Monday, said he was shocked by how badly the Catalans faded last term.

"I never imagined Barcelona would end up like that," he said.

"The year before we didn't win the league, but we at least got the same amount of points as Real Madrid; the difference wasn't as big.

"Last season, though, the difference was very big. Real Madrid finished 16 or 17 points (sic) ahead and that was impossible to predict."

Van Bronckhorst believes Barcelona must now make changes to the side under new coach Pep Guardiola.

"Now is the right time to make changes to the team and I only hope that the team can make history next season like we did," he said.

The full-back also believes it was the right time for Rijkaard to move on.

He said: "He gave so much to the club, but it is time for him to say goodbye.

"His time came to an end and it was the right time for him to go.

"I hope things go well for him and also for Barcelona."

Meanwhile, Van Bronckhorst says he is delighted with Holland's flying start at Euro 2008.

"We are very happy," he said. "We played really well in the first game, in the hardest group of all.

"To start as we did against Italy is the best outcome imaginable," he added.

And the former Arsenal and Rangers defender believes Marco Van Basten's side could go all the way in Euro 2008.

"It is very soon to talk about that," he said.

"We played as we wanted to and we have to do that in each game.

"If we do that, this Euro could be Holland's."