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Xavi announces Barca departure, but eyes return as coach

Xinhua, May 21, 2015 Adjust font size:

FC Barcelona captain, Xavi Hernandez confirmed in an emotional press conference on Thursday that he was leaving the club at the end of the season to finish his career playing in Qatar.

The conference confirmed what had become an open secret over the past few days during which several of his current team-mates had praised the career of the 35-year-old, who joined Barca as an 11-year-old and who has never known any other club.

Meanwhile Xavi's father had already said on Spanish radio that his son was leaving, but it was the player himself who gave the final confirmation.

"I would like to confirm and announce my exit from Barca. I think it's time to go... I have an exciting project in Qatar. I'll play for Al-Sadd for the next two seasons and after that train to be a manager and sports director at the Aspire academy," said Xavi.

"I would like to be remembered as someone who gave everything for his club and also for his national team," he continued, adding that he "would like to remain linked to Barcelona. My main aim is to learn so I can be here in the future."

The player who has probably defined a style of play based on possession and rapid passes: Xavi made his first team debut for Barca under the guidance of Louis Van Gaal aged just 18.

He has made a total of 765 first team appearances along with a further 61 for the Barca B-team. He scored a total of 84 goals for the club and has amassed a stunning collection of trophies.

Xavi's 17 seasons in the Barca first team have seen him win three Champions League titles, two European Supercups and two World Club Championships.

On the domestic front he has lifted eight BBVA Primera Liga titles, won the Copa del Rey twice and conquered six Spanish Supercups. Meanwhile he still has the chance of adding a fourth Champions League and a third Copa del Rey to that collection.

Meanwhile he played 133 times for Spain and was vital in the conquest of the 2010 World Cup as well as the 2008 and 2012 European Championship titles.

Xavi will make his last league appearance for Barca on Saturday at home to Deportivo la Coruna and could well play a role in the Cup final against Athletic Club Bilbao the following weekend and the Champions League final against Juventus seven days later. Endi