DOHA • Former Barcelona and Spain great Xavi Hernandez will retire from football at the end of the season to move into coaching, calling time on a trophy-laden career spanning two decades.
The former Barca captain, who made an all-time record of 767 appearances for the Spanish champions while winning 133 caps for Spain, confirmed he would be hanging up his boots in an open letter sent to members of the Spanish media on Thursday.
The statement read: "This is my last season as a player, but I am looking forward to seeing what the future holds for me as a coach.
"It has been a privilege to play football until 39 years of age and now, I would like to finish the season on a high by winning the Emir Cup and getting to the next phase of the Asian Champions League."
Revealing that his coaching style would reflect the way he was known for playing the game, he added: "I love seeing teams take the initiative on the field, play attacking football and return to the essence of what we all love from our childhood days - possession football."
Xavi made his debut for Barcelona in 1998 after coming through the club's famed La Masia academy and soon became the heartbeat of the team's midfield, winning eight LaLiga titles and four Champions League crowns before joining Qatari side Al Sadd in 2015.
He was one of the key players when Spain won their first and only World Cup in 2010 as well as their European Championship triumphs in 2008 and 2012, before eventually retiring from the national team after their early 2014 World Cup exit.
Last month, he helped Al Sadd win the Qatar Stars League, the country's top flight, while the team have also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Emir Cup.
His former teammates and clubs also paid tribute after news of his impending retirement broke, with Barcelona hailing him as a "football legend" on their Twitter account.
Andres Iniesta, who combined with Xavi to become one of the game's greatest double acts, called him "the best partner".
The midfielder, who now plays for J-League outfit Vissel Kobe, tweeted: "A privilege to grow and share at your side all my career and the best moments. Thank you for everything you've taught the world of football."
REUTERS
Spurs beaten for first time in new stadium; Saints stay up Southampton guaranteed their survival with a thrilling 3-3 home draw against neighbours Bournemouth while Cardiff City's 1-0 defeat
Spurs beaten for first time in new stadium; Saints stay up
FIFA moved a step closer on Friday to expanding the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to 48 teams and hopes to confirm the plans in June if a suitable co-host can be found.
FIFA backs 48-team World Cup in 2022 - timesofmalta.com
Raheem Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism Manchester City's England forward Raheem Sterling has been awarded The Integrity and Impact Award at this year's BT Sport Industry Awards for speaking out on a range of social issues, including racism.
England's Sterling honoured with award for fighting racism
Man City could get transfer ban: report, Football News & Top
Hammering is best form of 'respect', Football News & Top
Mar 2, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; The LA Galaxy unveil a statue for former player David Beckham to celebrate his tenure with the club at Dignity Health Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo
David Beckham statue unveiled by LA Galaxy - telegraph.co.uk
Mendy Set for Real Move, Says France Coach Deschamps. By Daily Sports on June 11, 2019. Views: 64 France coach Didier Deschamps said on Monday that Olympique Lyon left back Ferland Mendy will join Real Madrid.
May 22, 2017 · Ajax aims to relive past glories in Europa League final vs. Manchester United. Ajax coach Peter Bosz has transformed the club in his first season in charge.
Ajax's dream factory: Where selling De Jong is no big deal
First Cheetahs eyes aren't black they are brown. Now if you are talking about it's tear marks then they are black. The tear marks help keep the sun's glare out of the cheetah's eye's.
Football: New chapter for Tottenham as stadium hosts first game LONDON (REUTERS) - When teenager Rayan Clarke rolled a pass off the centre spot at Tottenham Hotspur's gleaming new stadium on Sunday (March 24) it kicked off a new chapter for the storied north London club.
New chapter for Tottenham as stadium hosts first game
Bayern Munich win Bundesliga title for seventh successive season - Times of India 2 weeks ago MUNICH (Germany): Bayern Munich received a record-extending seventh consecutive Bundesliga identify on Saturday after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt five-1 to end two points forward of rivals Borussia Dortmund.
Bayern Munich win seventh consecutive Bundesliga title | Goal.com
Football: Ikhsan Fandi focused on task as he begins Norway adventure. Ikhsan Fandi on trial with Raufoss against top-tier Norwegian club Mjondalen on Saturday. He is the first local-born
Ikhsan Fandi News from Singapore, Latest Ikhsan Fandi News
news.trendingnews.co.in/singapore/ikhsan-fandi
Football: Ikhsan Fandi focused on task as he begins Norway adventure The Straits Times. Singapore's Ikhsan Fandi has vowed to make an impact in Norway, after signing a two-year contract with Norwegian second-tier team Raufoss on Saturday.
Things Singapore does better than anywhere else - Hoffeldt.net
0 Kommentare:
Kommentar veröffentlichen