Xavi poised for al-Sadd move on 3-year deal
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BARCELONA midfielder Xavi Hernandez was to announce today that he is leaving the club he joined as an 11-year-old to sign a lucrative three-year deal with Qatari side al-Sadd, his agent said yesterday.
Now 35 and Barcelona’s appearance record holder and club captain, Xavi is set to follow in the footsteps of former Spain teammate Raul Gonzalez, who played for al-Sadd between 2012-14.
Xavi would also work with Qatar’s Aspire Academy, become an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup to be held in the Gulf state, one of Barcelona’s main sponsors, and aim to start his coaching qualifications, his agent, Ivan Corretja, said.
Barcelona said yesterday Xavi would hold a news conference today.
After joining the Catalan giant in 1991, Xavi graduated from the club’s academy to the first team in 1998.
One of the most decorated footballers of all time, he defined Barcelona and Spain’s spectacularly successful possession-based playing style. He represented La Roja 133 times, a record for an outfield player, and was a key figure in Spain’s glittering run when it won the 2010 World Cup and the 2008 and 2012 European Championships.
With Barcelona, Xavi has won three Champions League crowns, eight La Liga titles and a host of other trophies but has had limited playing time this season under coach Luis Enrique.
He is set to receive a rousing send-off at the Nou Camp when Barcelona, which wrapped up its latest La Liga title last weekend, hosts Deportivo La Coruna for its final match of the campaign on Saturday. He could still win another two trophies, with Barcelona through to the Champions League final to play Juventus on June 6, a week after they play Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final.
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