Xavi confirms Barcelona departure
Barcelona’s star midfielder Xavi Hernandez confirmed Thursday that he will leave Barcelona at the end of the season to join Qatari side Al Sadd.
Issued on: Modified:
Addressing a press conference in Barcelona, Xavi said that he had signed a contract with Al Sadd for two years with the option for one more.
The 35-year-old, who spent 17 years at Barcelona, will also be working towards becoming a coach.
Xavi is Barcelona’s most decorated player and a pivot of the Spanish team that won the World Cup and Euro championships in 2010 and 2012 respectively.
With the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals against Athletic Bilbao and Juventus respectively to come, he could add two more titles against his name.
Xavi’s decision to leave Barcelona comes on the heel of the departure of other club veterans like Carles Puyol and goalkeeper Victor Valdes.
Xavi almost left the club the end of last season but was reportedly convinced by new coach Luis Enrique to stay on.
During the media briefing, he remarked that his principal objective is to return to Barcelona as a coach or sporting director.
As a part of this endeavour, Xavi will be working on a project at the Aspire Academy.
“I can learn how to be a future coach and sporting director,” he said.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe