Xavi leaves Barcelona after 24 years
Spanish midfield maestro Xavi Hernandez today officially announced he will be leaving childhood club FC Barcelona.
“I’d like to announce that I’m leaving Barça after this season. The decision is definitive yet difficult,” he said at a press conference on Thursday.
The 35-year-old has spent the last 24 years in Catalonia, joining Barca’s youth set-up as an 11-year-old in 1991 before making his debut in 1998.
He has since won 23 trophies at the Camp Nou, including eight La Liga titles, tow Spanish Cups and three Champions League crowns, with the final of both the domestic and European Cup to still look forward to before his departure.
In total, Xavi has made a record 739 appearances for the club, which includes 84 goals and 163 assists in all competitions, while earning 133 caps for Spain.
Xavi has signed a three-year contract with Qatar side Al Sadd, where he will also work with the country’s Aspire Academy while acting as an ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Xavi’s last game for the Blaugrana will be their Champions League Final encounter against Juventus in Berlin on 6 June. Kick Off.com
