SM
Newcastle vs. West Ham: 17 hrs 31 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Barcelona great Xavi announces retirement

:Headline: Barcelona great Xavi announces retirement: ID:358029: from db_amp
The 39-year-old had a glittering career.

Former Barcelona and Spain midfielder Xavi has announced he will retire at the end of the season to pursue a career in coaching.

The 39-year-old, who lifted eight LaLiga titles, three Copa del Reys and four Champions League trophies during his time with Barca, has spent the last four years playing in Qatar with Al Sadd.

Having won the league with Al Sadd this season, the 2010 World Cup winner feels now is the right time to move on to the next stage of his career.

In a letter published by Spanish newspaper AS, Xavi said: "It has been a privilege to play football until I was 39 years old and now I would like to finish the season at the top by winning the Emir Cup and reaching the next phase in the Asian Champions League.

"This is my last season as a player, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach.

"What I have achieved in the last two decades has been a privilege and, therefore, I believe it is my duty to take the initiative of the field and return through football whenever possible."

Xavi, who also won two European Championships with Spain, said he plans to continue his work with Generation Amazing, a Qatari project which "uses football to develop and inspire young people."

amp_article__358029 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-05-02 17:55:38:
html db last update - 2019-05-02 17:55:38 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Xavi

Click here for more stories about Barcelona

Share this article now:
Read more about Xavi Football
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona14111242142834
2Real Madrid1393128111730
3Atletico MadridAtletico148512181329
4Villarreal137422521425
5Athletic Bilbao146532013723
6Osasuna146441922-322
7GironaGirona146352018221
8Mallorca146351312121
9Real BetisBetis145541616020
10Real Sociedad145361111018
11Celta Vigo145362224-218
12Sevilla145361318-518
13Rayo Vallecano134451314-116
14Leganes143561319-614
15Getafe142751011-113
16AlavesAlaves144191524-913
17Las PalmasLas Palmas143381825-712
18Valencia122461219-710
19Espanyol133191226-1410
20Real ValladolidValladolid142391027-179
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .