24 years at Camp Nou and revealed he will link up
with Al Sadd following the completion of 2014-15
Barcelona legend Xavi has announced his intention
to leave the club at the end of the season to join
Qatari club Al Sadd.
The midfielder has been with the Catalans for 24
years, since joining La Masia as an 11-year-old,
and has made over 750 appearances for the first
team during that time - more than any other player
in the club's history.
Although he has featured 41 times so far for Barca
in their La Liga-winning campaign, he has been
used as a substitute more often than a starter
under Luis Enrique.
"I am announcing my departure from the club this
season," Xavi told reporters at a press conference
on Thursday. "This decision is final and difficult.
"The club offered me a renewal - a very good one
- but I had already made my decision. I think it's
time to leave Camp Nou now.
"I'll continue playing at Al Sadd, which is an
exciting prospect. I have signed a deal for two
seasons, but there's an option for a third.
"Failure to retire at Barca is not a blot on my
career - I want to keep playing but I know I have
to play at a lower level. I'll also be able to develop
myself as a coach and sporting director in Qatar."
No comments:
Post a Comment