Midfielder Xavi will leave Barcelona at the end of the season after 17 years at the club. The playmaker will join Qatari side Al Sadd on a three-year contract. The midfielder, aged 35, has won no less than eight league titles and three Champions League crowns with Barcelona. He can add two more pieces of silverware to his tally before he leaves the club as Barcelona will play the Copa del Redy and the Champions League finals.
"I couldn't have had a better career," Xavi said in a news conference. "It was a tough decision." Barcelona have already wrapped up the Primera Liga title, and Xavi will most likely play against Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday in order to properly celebrate the achievement. Then Barca will play the Champions League final against Juventus on June 6th.
"We have a unique opportunity to make history," Xavi added. "I think the Qatar project is nice, and it's ideal for me. In the future I'd like to come back to Barca. I had a very good offer to renew with Barca, but I didn't even tell my mother. I want to keep playing. I know I can still perform, although it'll be in a lower-level league. Barca will continue to be great without me. I'm convinced." Xavi also has 133 caps for Spain and has won the 2010 World Cup plus the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
Barcelona are 1.12 at Bet365 to win the Copa del Rey and they are 1.36 to repeat the success in the Champions League final.
Johnajax 8 years ago
Xavi is one of the best midfielder who ever played football. Now after he leaves Barcelona that won't be the same team. But they will still have Iniesta and that is very important for them. I thikn that next year Barcelona will have problems with creativity because I am not sure that Rakitic can do everything what Xavi...
Xavi is one of the best midfielder who ever played football. Now after he leaves Barcelona that won't be the same team. But they will still have Iniesta and that is very important for them. I thikn that next year Barcelona will have problems with creativity because I am not sure that Rakitic can do everything what Xavi can and I think that they will struggle with that.
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sharpe
8 years ago
He is an unbelievable player one of the best passers of the ball and really one of the legends of Barcelona. It's always nice to see a player who is iconic for his club to spend all his career and retire in this club. He could add two more trophies with Barca but even if they don't succeed to do that he will always be in...
He is an unbelievable player one of the best passers of the ball and really one of the legends of Barcelona. It's always nice to see a player who is iconic for his club to spend all his career and retire in this club. He could add two more trophies with Barca but even if they don't succeed to do that he will always be in the memories of the Barcelona fans.
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rikimartin4444_115925
8 years ago
This is very sad news for all football fans. Xavi is maybe the best midfielder in last 15 years. He is my favorite player. He had great career and won lot of trophies. Now, it is time for new challenge in Qatar where he will play next three years. I think he will be great coach in future if hedecides so. Good luck and thanks,...
This is very sad news for all football fans. Xavi is maybe the best midfielder in last 15 years. He is my favorite player. He had great career and won lot of trophies. Now, it is time for new challenge in Qatar where he will play next three years. I think he will be great coach in future if hedecides so. Good luck and thanks, Xavi!
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seculla
8 years ago
I don't think that it will be problem for Barcelona and Iniesta to adopt their game without Xavi, because this season Xavi didn't played many minutes, and those time that he enter from the bench often were last minutes of some match. So I think that Barcelona should be the same Barcelona next season too, even without him.
I don't think that it will be problem for Barcelona and Iniesta to adopt their game without Xavi, because this season Xavi didn't played many minutes, and those time that he enter from the bench often were last minutes of some match. So I think that Barcelona should be the same Barcelona next season too, even without him.
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
I really considere him as one of the best midfielders in the history of the game.His passing ability and creativity is fantastic.He was faultless player.Never did to much.His passes were always ideal.At the right moment to the rigth player.It will be interesting how Barca and especially Iniesta will adopt to playing without...
I really considere him as one of the best midfielders in the history of the game.His passing ability and creativity is fantastic.He was faultless player.Never did to much.His passes were always ideal.At the right moment to the rigth player.It will be interesting how Barca and especially Iniesta will adopt to playing without Xavi.
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seculla
8 years ago
I also must agree with Alexa and galata, Xavi will be one of the biggest Barcelona's Legend, and also he will be "written with golden letters" in their History. I must say that it's sad how less and less players like Xavi are playing. When I say this I mean for his love to his club and also for his loyalty. I wish him all...
I also must agree with Alexa and galata, Xavi will be one of the biggest Barcelona's Legend, and also he will be "written with golden letters" in their History. I must say that it's sad how less and less players like Xavi are playing. When I say this I mean for his love to his club and also for his loyalty. I wish him all the best in his remaining career.
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h34dhunt3r
8 years ago
A living legend. As long as I play PES, there's been Xavi in Barcelona. Player with most apperances in history of Champions League, guy who won it all, with both Barcelona and Spanish national team. It's been pleasure watching him doing his magic. I hope that Liga BBVA management agrees that Barcelona celebrate title this...
A living legend. As long as I play PES, there's been Xavi in Barcelona. Player with most apperances in history of Champions League, guy who won it all, with both Barcelona and Spanish national team. It's been pleasure watching him doing his magic. I hope that Liga BBVA management agrees that Barcelona celebrate title this weekend, since this will be Xavi's last time playing on Camp Nou. Usually teams get trophy first match next season, but exception should be made considering how big legend of Spanish football is ending his (european) career.
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galata86 8 years ago
I agree with Alexa absolutely. He is a synonym for FC Barcelona. For me, he is the most deserving for Barcelona successes in last ten year. Although they always had Ronadlinho or Messi, Xavi played the most important role in the team. And in the Spain national team, he was the best. One word: legend!
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Alexa Alexa 8 years ago
When I say Xavi,I think Barca...When I say Barca,I can not imagine it without Xavi.He is a living legend in Catalunya.He even managed to break a record in Champions League as a player with most appereances.Barca will know how to say thanks to him,it will be very emotional..
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